Treatment for Family Members of People Experiencing Gambling Problems: Family Members Want Both Gambler-Focused and Family-Focused Options

Family member’s competing perspectives mean two distinct treatment approaches have developed (i.e., those focusing on the needs of the gambler, or the needs of the family), but little is known of what family members want if offered a choice. A convergent mixed-method design with 62 family members examined the experiences of those seeking help via an internet service. Fifty percent of participants requested gambler-focused options, such as advice and support on getting the gambler to change, supporting behaviour change and facilitating treatment seeking. Family-focused approaches (28%) were most frequently about improving the quality of the relationship, getting information on support options and help in managing the impact of gambling. Family members also requested a blended approach (22%) (e.g. how to support the gambler and how to deal with the negative impacts). These findings suggest interventions need to able to accommodate both gambler-focused and family-focused approaches.