Gambling disorder is a severe mental health and behavioral problem with harmful financial, relationship, and mental health consequences. This paper initiates discussion on using psychedelics combined with psychotherapeutic support as a potential treatment option. Recent studies have shown promising results with psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT) for anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various substance use disorders. Given similarities in underlying psychosocial and neurobiological mechanisms between gambling disorder and other addictions, the authors suggest PAT could be effective for gambling disorder. The paper underscores the need for further research into its viability and effectiveness.
Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) consistently reduce gambling frequency and cravings while improving psychological outcomes. When combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, MBIs produce significant declines in problem gambling behavior. Psychological distress and cravings also decrease notably across different intervention types. However, it remains unclear how much of these effects come from mindfulness-specific mechanisms. The evidence comes from 12 studies, including five randomized controlled trials, but small sample sizes and methodological limitations mean more robust research is needed.