Gordon Moody’s problem gambling residential treatment for women shows lasting impact

Gordon Moody, a company that supports people’s efforts to rebuild their lives following a brush with gambling-related harm, has published the results of a new study assessing the impact of a residential treatment service for women.

Originally introduced in 2021 and progressing to a fully-fledged project in 2023, Gordon Moody is pleased to report that there has been limited relapse among patients.

Gordon Moody touts the impact on gambling behaviors following treatment

The treatment, which runs a course of six weeks, along with a planned week of adjustment before a final return home for patients, was able to produce scientifically significant results, and could prove one of the most successful treatment options ever undertaken.

Overall, 68 women submitted to treatment at Gordon Moody. Although a good number of patients showed varied levels of relapse, according to Dr Rosalind Baker-Frampton, who co-authored the study along with input from the University of Nottingham, the University of Lincoln, and the National Addiction Center, the results are on balance encouraging.

To help better understand how the treatment had impacted individuals, the researchers used a standardized measurement through the Problem Gambling Severity Index. To help control and anticipate for relapse, the researchers asked women to complete the PGSI test at different times.

For the majority, or 54 women, this was done immediately after the six weeks. Another 31 women were asked to take it three months after treatment, and another 23 women took the treatment six months later.

Measuring the impact of residential treatment to tackle problem gambling

The results seem encouraging as 47.8% of the women who previously experienced problem gambling were not subject to further issues.

Then, there was 13% who were classified as low-risk, followed by another 17.4% who were put in the moderate-risk category. The worst off were 21.7% of the respondents who were still at high risk. Interestingly, the results were different between the end of treatment, three months after treatment, and six months after treatment, based on the assessment the participants did.

For example, although 35.2% identified themselves as moderate risk at the end of their treatment, but only 25.8% said so three months after the treatment. Of course, the number of respondent’s answers was fewer.

Yet, these findings are not without their challenges. For example, the residential treatment program is not in itself a silver bullet for overcoming problem gambling. An entire ammunition store of options is needed instead.

Gordon Moody said that 87% of the women completed their treatment, but three women did not complete their assessment week, being discharged instead with support into the community. Five other women dropped out during the treatment, and one more was discharged by mutual agreement, and still benefiting from support and advice.

As Gordon Moody remarks, all of the women who started the treatment were classified as high-risk gamblers, or PGSI of more than 8. The results are encouraging as they indicate that treatment can have a lasting and impactful outcome. Yet more data, a bigger sample, and continued monitoring are necessary.

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