Buddhist philosophy for the treatment of problem gambling.
Edo Shonin, William van Gordon, Mark D Griffiths
Journal of Behavioral Addictions June 1, 2013 DOI: 10.1556/jba.2.2013.001 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Cross-sectional Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Buddhist-derived interventions mindfulness insight meditation compassion meditation bliss-substitution |
| Topics | Buddhism Meditation |
| Keywords | Behavioural addiction Problem gambling |
| Key findings | Reviews evidence that Buddhist-derived interventions, particularly mindfulness practices, show potential for treating problem gambling, but controlled studies are absent and implementation faces clinician and service-provision barriers. |
Abstract
Purpose: In the last five years, scientific interest into the potential applications of Buddhist-derived interventions (BDIs) for the treatment of problem gambling has been growing. This paper reviews current directions, proposes conceptual applications, and discusses integration issues relating to the utilisation of BDIs as problem gambling treatments.
Method: Aliterature search and evaluation of the empirical literature for BDIs as problem gambling treatments was undertaken.
Results: To date, research has been limited to cross-sectional studies and clinical case studies and findings indicate that Buddhist-derived mindfulness practices have the potential to play an important role in ameliorating problem gambling symptomatology. As an adjunct to mindfulness, other Buddhist-derived practices are also of interest including: (i) insight meditation techniques (e.g., meditation on 'emptiness') to overcome avoidance and dissociation strategies, (ii) 'antidotes' (e.g., patience, impermanence, etc.) to attenuate impulsivity and salience-related issues, (iii) loving-kindness and compassion meditation to foster positive thinking and reduce conflict, and (iv) 'middle-way' principles and 'bliss-substitution' to reduce relapse and temper withdrawal symptoms. In addition to an absence of controlled treatment studies, the successful operationalisation of BDIs as effective treatments for problem gambling may be impeded by issues such as a deficiency of suitably experienced BDI clinicians, and the poor provision by service providers of both BDIs and dedicated gambling interventions.
Conclusions: Preliminary findings for BDIs as problem gambling treatments are promising, however, further research is required.