It wasn’t so long ago that gambling addiction wasn’t considered a truly serious issue. Since then, new insights have emerged, and it’s undeniable that problematic gambling behavior can, in some cases, lead to further problematic behaviors.
This is precisely why it’s important to properly treat and care for gambling addiction and problem gamblers. And that’s exactly what’s now being done in a completely new way—with the help of virtual reality. At the same time, those looking for safer and more responsible gaming environments might consider checking out the best non GamStop casino sites on bideford.com, which offer alternative options with user-focused features.
Completely New Approach From Canada
What few people know is that Canada is one of the most advanced countries in the world when it comes to medical innovation. So it’s not particularly surprising that this completely new and crazy-sounding approach to treating gambling addiction originates from Canada. More specifically, from the 87th Congress of the French-Canadian Scientific Association (ACFAS), where a research team from the University of Quebec (UQO) caused a stir with the results of its field trial. This represents a completely new approach to the topic, which project leader Stéphane Bouchard explains by pointing out that current treatments lack a very important element: confronting the potential temptations of addiction.
The approach and idea behind it sounds as simple as it is ingenious: If, for example, problem gamblers are in a drug addiction treatment facility and participating in a counseling session, they are as far removed as possible from the situation that triggers their addictive behavior. Virtual reality could change this, as it could place the patient directly in the therapy room in the situations that would lead them to the slot machines or a gaming table in real life.
Precise Impulse Helps With Treatment
In the researchers’ view, both patients and treating physicians could wear VR headsets in the future, which would then simulate a visit to a casino for the patient. The advantage is obvious: the patient cannot really give in to their temptation, after all, they are only in the therapy room. Nevertheless, the physician can identify precisely the impulse that is responsible for triggering the critical gambling behavior. And accordingly, treatment could begin precisely here. Another advantage: From the gambler’s perspective, the adjustment for the period after treatment is no longer too great, since they are already familiar with the influences from therapy.
In detail, VR glasses are connected to a computer that can visually create any imaginable environment for the patient or wearer. Thanks to the realistic representation, such glasses usually “trick” the brain into thinking the body is actually in the respective situation.
Good Results Enable Start into the Next Test Phase
Although the approach and the idea behind the therapy at least seem logical, Bouchard admits that one cannot yet speak of a sufficiently high success rate and that the therapy is therefore not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, the researcher explains that he estimates that VR therapy can help around 40 to 60 percent of patients. Since no negative effects on the test subjects have been observed so far during the test phase, the researchers say it is now time to begin the next test phase. In detail, this means: After the first small series of tests, large-scale clinical trials will now be conducted to further confirm the positive results achieved so far.
Bouchard also received support for the idea from Yasser Khazaal, the head of the psychiatric department at the Swiss University Hospital of Vaud. According to Radio Canada, Khazaal explained in response to the release of the test results: “It’s not just the virtual reality that makes the therapy special, but the precise way it’s applied to individual patients. The technology can be very useful in understanding what the patient feels and believes while playing. It’s an approach that can certainly complement regular therapy.”
VR As Friend & Foe of the Non GamStop Casinos Industry?
The research team’s assessment is also supported by the fact that VR treatments have already been successfully tested in many other areas. It has been shown that even severe phobias can be effectively resolved through treatment using virtual reality. Patients’ fears are alleviated during treatment because they subconsciously understand that the object in question poses no danger. Although this may appear different in “real” reality, the VR test provides valuable training for patients, who learn that phobias don’t always lead to unpleasant experiences.
The fact that virtual reality is now being used to treat problem gambling at non GamStop bookmakers and casinos is nevertheless somewhat curious. After all, this is also a trend that is expected to drive innovation in the gambling industry in the coming months and years. However, in both cases, the applications certainly seem worthwhile. So, nothing stands in the way of a dual use of virtual reality. For more insights into platforms embracing innovation, you can read the latest Xtraspin reviews and see how these changes are being received by players.
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