Objective The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of auricular acupressure and group counseling with positive psychology on gambling severity, withdrawal symptoms, and dopamine. Methods This study is a randomized controlled trial and has been performed at a University in South Korea. 180 gamblers and 60 non-gamblers will be recruited. In the first year, gamblers will be randomly assigned to two groups: Experimental Group 1 (auricular acupressure); and Control Group 1 (education material to stop and cope withdrawal symptoms). And Normal Group will be recruited independently. Furthermore, a single blind randomized controlled trial will be performed in second and third year. And gamblers will be randomly assigned to three groups: Experimental Group 2 (auricular acupressure + group counseling); Placebo Group (placebo acupressure + group counseling); and Control Group 2 (education material to stop and cope withdrawal symptoms). Auricular acupressure using acupellets is performed for 6 weeks continuously.
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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Change from Problem Gambling Severity during 1 year
Timeframe: baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year
Change from Gambling Withdrawal during 1 year
Timeframe: baseline, 2,3,4,5,6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year
Change from serum serotonin/dopamine levels during 6 months
Timeframe: baseline, 6 weeks, 6 months