Family therapy interventions in India for persons with gambling disorder

Gambling is a popular pastime in India and the number of problem gamblers is on the rise. Although the impact of gambling disorder on families is grossly under-researched in India, drawing on international evidence it is only reasonable to assume that this is an important area deserving further clinical and research attention. Of the several types of interventions possible with families of persons with gambling disorder, in our clinical experience, the 5-step intervention is a feasible and culturally adaptable psychotherapeutic intervention. In this paper we have looked at the theoretical aspects of this intervention and also raise some of the practical challenges of offering psychological interventions to families of persons with gambling disorder in India. Albeit limited, we discuss the evidence base to have emerged from India in this field. Finally, we suggest some intervention measures as the way forward.