30 October 2024

The article features an interview with Venetia Leonidaki, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National Gambling Clinic, and Dr Rebecca Lockwood, Consultant Clinical Psychologist at the National Centre for Gaming Disorders. They discuss their career paths, motivations for working in behavioural addictions, and share insights into treating gambling and gaming disorders.

Venetia’s interest in addiction started during her work at a methadone maintenance service in Greece, while Rebecca's background lies in offender care. Both noted that behavioural addictions, unlike substance use, require a psychological approach.

Both clinicians emphasised the serious impacts of these addictions: “I have been struck by the impact this addiction has on the minds and behaviours of the people that are doing it,” said Rebecca.

Treatment for both addictions is primarily cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) with additional strategies like family therapy, third-wave therapies, and practical interventions. For gaming disorder, the aim is to foster a healthier relationship with gaming, while gambling therapy focuses on managing triggers and addressing misconceptions about gambling.

They also stress the importance of raising awareness and are working to educate professionals on how to identify and treat people with gambling and gaming issues through webinars and training sessions.

Venetia and Rebecca are hosting a webinar on understanding behavioural addictions and treating pathological gambling on Wednesday 27 November. It’s available to book on the StepUp website.

Read the full article at this website.