FIELD

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for aiding a person with an addiction and more particularly to providing self-directed assistance to a user with an addiction.

BACKGROUND

Government-operated gambling has steadily expanded in the past two decades. Many individuals gamble and most do so without causing harm to themselves or others. However, a percentage of individuals who gamble exhibit evidence of a gambling problem, and the resulting individual and social costs are significant. This trend is a global phenomenon. Gambling is one of the fastest growing businesses in the world, with a sub-group of people engaged in this behavior developing a problem. Gambling is like alcohol in this respect: many make healthy use of it, but excessive consumption may have undesirable consequences. For these individuals, a range of financial and psychological impacts may occur, resulting in heavy social, economic, and health costs such as mental illness, gambling-related crime, dysfunctional relationships, and bankruptcy. Out of those who experience a gambling problem, only a very small percentage of people may seek help from designated treatment centers. Research has shown that only about one in ten gamblers with a lifetime diagnosis of gambling dependence will ever seek treatment. A key motivation for the development of electronic tools is to have a greater outreach to problem gamblers, many of whom are believed to resist face-to-face treatment out of embarrassment or physical and geographic barriers.

There is a lack of research validated electronic tools such as network based or mobile application based treatment tools and interventions for individuals and their families impacted negatively by health issues such as problem gambling. SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of providing self- directed assistance for a gambling addiction using one or more electronic devices comprising at least one processor and at least one display. The method comprises: providing a self-screening module configured to display a series of questions related to the gambling addiction, receive responses to the series of questions and provide an assessment of the severity of the gambling addiction; providing access to one or more self-directed exercises relating to the gambling addiction; and providing a self-monitoring module configured to receive information in response to a specific incident in which a user experienced an urge to gamble.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for providing self-directed assistance for a gambling addiction. The system comprises at least one processor configured to execute machine-interpretable instructions and causing the system to: provide a self-screening module configured to display a series of questions related to the gambling addiction, receive responses to the series of questions and provide an assessment of the severity of the gambling addiction ; providing access to one or more self- directed exercises relating to the gambling addiction; and provide a self- monitoring module configured to receive information in response to a specific incident in which a user experienced an urge to gamble.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a mobile device comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the at least one memory comprising machine-readable instructions executable by the at least one processor to : provide a self-screening module configured to display a series of questions related to the gambling addiction, receive responses to the series of questions and provide an assessment of the severity of the gambling addiction; providing access to one or more self-directed exercises relating to the gambling addiction; and provide a self-monitoring module configured to receive information in response to a specific incident in which a user experienced an urge to gamble. Other aspects of the present disclosure will be apparent to those of skill in the relevant arts from a review of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show example embodiments of subject matter disclosed herein, and in which :

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a system for providing self-directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein;

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of an example system suitable for use in providing self-directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein;

Figure 3 shows a schematic flow diagram of an example of a method for providing a self-screening tool suitable for use in providing self-directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein;

Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram for an example of an application suitable for use in providing self-directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein; Figure 5 shows an example of a display associated with a self-screening tool in accordance with the disclosure herein;

Figures 6-13 show examples of displays associated with an exemplary online application suitable for use in providing self-directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein; and Figures 14-29 show examples of the contents of the display of a mobile device associated with an exemplary tool suitable for use in providing self- directed assistance for an addiction in accordance with the disclosure herein. Similar reference numerals may have been used in different figures to denote similar components.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the systems, methods and tools disclosed herein may be suitable for use in providing self-directed assistance for an addiction. As an example of how these systems, methods and tools could be implemented, reference will at times be made to aspects of the Problem Gambling Self- Directed Tools including the Monitor Your Gambling Urges (MYGU) web and mobile application. These programs constitute exemplary embodiments of the systems, methods and tools disclosed herein and are not meant to be limiting. The Problem Gambling Self-directed Tools may allow individuals to have access to a suite of online tools and mobile application(s) which may include, for example, a research validated screening tool (PGSI), tools for gamblers who are looking to quit or cut down their gambling, tools for concerned significant others to help themselves and develop coping skills, a Monitor Your Gambling Urges (MYGU) web and mobile application which may, in some embodiments, track and report, for example, how much time and money has been spent on gambling, triggers, feelings and other activities related to gambling behaviors and consequences.

While this disclosure often refers to gambling and gambling addictions as a health issue addressed by the systems, methods and tools described herein, those of skill in the art will recognize that elements of these systems, methods and tools could be applied to many different health issues such as, for example: addictions such as nicotine addiction, alcohol addiction, narcotics addiction and food addiction, other mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder and other health issues such as obesity, anorexia or bulimia.

Specific advantages this approach may have over traditional therapy will be apparent to those of skill in the art. For example, embodiments which provide for anonymity may allow those concerned about an addiction such as gambling, as well as family and friends of those experiencing the addiction, to seek help without identifying themselves to a healthcare provider or anyone else. In addition, making these resources available electronically, such as online or on a mobile device, may enhance their accessibility. Furthermore, components of the set of tools disclosed herein may work synergistically and in support of each other. For example, motivational tools may keep the individual on track and moving forward, while self-monitoring tools may assist with self-awareness while the individual works through the worksheets. The ability to use the self-monitoring tool on hand-held and mobile devices may also make tracking the relevant experience of the registrants easier and more convenient as well as more immediate. The act of self-monitoring may also be a way of dealing with urges associated with the addiction such as urges to gamble as it may, for example, provide a measure of delay before acting on an impulse. The tools described herein may also provide one or more comprehensive reports that may provide information that can be a useful adjunct to treatment.

The systems, methods and tools described herein may include online applications as well as one or more mobile applications that may be installed on an electronic device associated with a user. The online applications may work together with the mobile applications to assist a user in relation to the addiction. In some embodiments, registration information may be stored in a central location and shared with both the online application and the mobile application. This may allow all information gathered in relation to the user, either through the online application or the mobile application, to be associated with the user and used by either application.

Embodiments of the systems, methods and tools of the present application are not limited to any particular operating systems, electronic device architectures, server architectures or computer programming languages. Reference will now be made to Figure 1 which shows, in block diagram form, an example system for providing self-directed assistance for an addiction. The system comprises a server 101, a mobile electronic device 11 and/or an electronic computing device 21. Mobile device 11 may communicate with server 101 through communication cloud or network 10. Electronic computing device 21 may communicate with server 101 through communication cloud or network 20. Communication cloud 10 and communication cloud 20 may or may not form part of the same network.

Mobile device 11 may be a multi-function electronic device capable of running applications comprised of computer readable instructions. Mobile device 11 may comprise one or more displays for providing information to a user, one or more input devices (such as a trackball, keyboard, touch screen, etc.), one or more memory devices (such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc.) and one or more processors capable of executing computer readable instructions. For example, mobile device 11 may be a cellular telephone, PDA, tablet device such as an iPad or Android device, Smartphone such as an iPhone or Blackberry or the like. Applications comprising computer readable instructions may be installed on mobile device 11, for example, by downloading instructions and/or other information through communications cloud 10 or by other means such as through a physical connection to another device such as a desktop computer or through a portable storage device such as a CD, DVD, memory stick, etc. In some embodiments, some applications may be pre-loaded into mobile device 11 prior to being delivered to a consumer. In some embodiments, mobile device 11 may be capable of wireless communication with server 101 through communication cloud 10 which may comprise, for example, a PLMN or WLAN. Electronic computing device 21 may be an electronic device capable of receiving information from server 101 through communication cloud 20 and displaying it to a user. For example, electronic computing device 21 may be an electronic device capable of receiving and displaying web pages using, for example, a web browser. Electronic computing device 21 may, for example, be a desktop or laptop computer capable of running a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox or Netscape. Electronic computing device 21 may comprise at least one processor capable of implementing computer readable instructions, at least one memory device (such as RAM, ROM, flash memory, etc.), one or more communication elements and one or more displays for providing information to a user. Electronic computing device 21 may also comprise one or more input devices for receiving information from a user such as a keyboard, mouse, track pad, voice recognition system, or the like.

Communication cloud 20 may be any type of communication network capable of carrying data, possibly in the form of data signals, between server 101 and electronic computing device 21. For example, communication cloud 20 may involve the Internet or an internet capable of communicating using, for example, an HTTP protocol.

In some embodiments, encryption may be used for information passed from an electronic device associated with a user, such as electronic computing device 21 and mobile device 11, and, for example, server 101. Furthermore, in some embodiments, IP addresses may not be collected in order to better protect a user's privacy.

Reference will now be made to Figure 2 which shows, in block diagram form, an example of a system, generally designated 200, for use in providing self- directed assistance for an addiction. The system 200 may comprise a server side system 101, an online application 110 and/or a mobile application 120. Server side system 101 includes logic modules 102, database(s) 106 and communication modules 105. Database(s) 106 may include any type of suitable information storage or memory devices such as, but not limited to, read only memory, random access memory, flash memory and the like. Logic modules 102 and communication modules 105 may include computer readable programmed instructions suitable for use by a processor. Communication modules 105 may be enabled to send and receive information though communication clouds 10 and 20 of Figure 1, for example, over a network such as the Internet. Logic modules 102 may comprise a web server or the like as well as logic useful for retrieving information from and storing information to database(s) 106. Online application 110 includes a registration/authentication module 112, a self-directed exercises module 114, a reports module 115, a self-monitoring module 116, a history module 118, a self-screening modu le 119, a goals module 11 and a support module 113. Each of these modules may comprise computer readable programmed instructions. In some embodiments, the modules of online application 110 may reside entirely within server side system 101 such as in database(s) and/or as part of logic modules 102. In other embodiments, some or all of the elements of the modules of online application 110 may be downloaded to or otherwise stored on a memory associated with a client's device such as electronic computing device 21.

Online application 110 may be accessed through a network such as, for example, the Internet or an intranet. In some embodiments, the tools associated with the online application 110 may be accessed through a website using, for example, electronic computing device 21 of Figure 1. Mobile application 120 may include a registration/authentication module 121, a history module 122, a self-monitoring modu le 125, a goals module 126, a support module 128, a reports module 129, a self-screening module 123 and/or a self-directed exercises module 124. Mobile application 120 may be installed on and/or used in conjunction with, for example, mobile device 11 of Figure 1. Mobile application 120 may be installed on mobile device, for example, by down loading instructions and/or other information over a network, such as communication cloud 10 or Figure 1, or by other means such as through a physical connection to another device such as a desktop computer or through a portable storage device such as a CD, DVD, memory stick, etc. The modules of mobile application 120 may include computer readable programmed instructions suitable for use by the one or more processors of mobile device 11.

In some embodiments, the modules of mobile 120 may be configured to commu nicate with server side system 101 through, for exam ple, commu nication cloud 10. For example, an application programming interface 'API' of mobile application 120 may be configured to communicate in the form of XML SOAP requests using, for example, HTTPS as the transport.

Registration/authentication module 112,121 may allow a user to register with and/or login to system 200. If a user has previously registered with system 200, they may be able to login using, for example, a user id (which may include an email address) and a password with which then may be authenticated. If a user has not previously registered with the system, they may be prompted to register. In some embodiments, registration and/or user profile information may be stored in a central location such as database(s) 106 of server side system 101. The registration/authentication process will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4.

Self-directed exercises module 114,124 may be enabled to provide interactive exercises comprising questions related to, for example, a user's behavior, history, feelings, etc. in relation to the addiction. The self-directed exercises will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4. Self-screening module 119, 123 may be useful in determining, for example, if a user (or a person close to the user such as a family member or friend) is affected by an addiction and, if so, to what extent they have been affected. The user may be guided through a series of questions relating to, for example, their history and experiences. The questions used by self-screening module 119, 123 may be stored centrally in one or more storage devices associated with server side system 101, such as database(s) 106, and/or the questions may be stored locally on one or more storage devices related to a client's system. Self-screening will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 3. Self-monitoring module 116,125 may allow a user to provide information regarding their behavior and experiences related to the addiction. In some embodiments, self-monitoring module 116,125 may be configured to provide a mechanism for a user to record information relating to an urge to engage in a particular behavior associated with the addiction. Self-monitoring will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4. Goals module 111,126 may allow a user to record their goals in relation to the addiction. For example, goals module 111,126 may allow a user to record a goal relating to cutting down or ending a negative behavior related to the addiction. In the case of problem gambling, for example, a user may record their goals relating to the amount or type of gambling they intend to engage in. Goals will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4.

History module 118, 122 may allow a user to record a history of experiences related to the addiction. For example, in the case of problem gambling, a user may be able to enter information regarding their gambling history. History information will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4.

The information provided by a user through self-directed exercises module 114, goals module 111, self-monitoring module 116, history module 118 or self-screening module 119 may or may not be stored by system 200. If the information is stored by system 200, it may be stored in one or more storage devices associated with server 101, such as database(s) 106, or in one or more storage devices associated with electronic computing device 21 or mobile device 11. In some embodiments, a user's registration information may be stored separately from other information gathered through online application 110 or mobile application 120 in order to, for example, better protect a user's privacy.

Some or all of the modules of online application 110 and mobile application 120 may provide interactive information to the user through a display of electronic computing device 21 and/or mobile device 11. This interactive information may, for example, take the form of electronic forms including various interactive elements, such as text boxes, scroll down menus, slide bars, buttons, etc., through witch the user may provide information to system 200. The forms may, for example, include XML forms or the like. The user may enter information using one or more input devices of electronic computing device 21 and/or mobile device 11. Reports module 115,129 may be configured to generate and display reports to a user relating to, for example, topics surrounding the addiction. The reports generated may include information obtained by goals module 111,126, self-directed exercises module 114, 124, self-monitoring module 116,125, history module 118,122 and self-screening module 119, 123 and/or other information relating to the user or to the addiction. Reports will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figure 4.

Support module 113 may provide information and mechanisms available to a user to get support in relation to the addiction.

The tools implemented by the modules provided by online application 110 and mobile application 120 described herein are exemplary of the types of tools which may be provided by system 200. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many different tools may be included in many different combinations. For example, some of the modules described above may be included only in online application 110 or only in mobile application 120 or neither. Similarly, in some embodiments, online application 110 and/or mobile application 120 may include tools, modules or functions not described herein.

In some embodiments, system 200 may include only online application 110 or only mobile application 120. For example, in some embodiments, system 200 may include mobile application 120, including some or all of the modules described above, which may be installed on a mobile device such as a tablet device (such as an iPad or Android tablet), or the like to be used as a stand alone tool, In some cases, mobile application 120 may be preinstalled on the mobile device and provided, for example, to a patient (or family member or friend of a patient) involved in a treatment program. In some embodiments, mobile application 120 may have little to no communication with server side system 101 other than possibly to install the application. In other such embodiments, mobile application 110 may communicate only in a limited fashion with a central system such as server side system 101 such as to, for example, download or upload information such as reports.

Motivational material components may also be incorporated into online application 110 and/or mobile application 120. These motivational components may include, for example, emails, text messages, or online pop- up messages to, for example, encourage the users and help keep them "on track" with their program. In some embodiments, these messages could be generated randomly or could be directly connected to the entries that the user is making (such as, for example, through self-directed exercises module 114,124, self-monitoring module 116,125, self-screening module 119,123 and/or goals module 111, 126). In some embodiments, the motivational messages may address specific issues the individual is facing. The motivational material may also be connected to the stages of the individual's progress or lack thereof. For example, in some embodiments, if a user has not completed a goal in time, or reports a particular type of urge, or is not meeting a timeline, a tailored motivational message can be sent. Anecdotes or motivational messages from real life people who have been through the journey already may also be used (e.g. what they did when they had the same urge, or started relapsing, or were not meeting goals, or general messages around keeping to the program). Audio messages can also be created with the same effect and be delivered to the user's electronic device. Regularly scheduled messages can also be implemented.

Reference is now made to Figure 3 which shows a flow diagram representing an example of a method 300 of providing an assessment of an addiction according to one embodiment. Method 300 is suitable for use in, for example, online application 110 or mobile application 120 of FIG. 1 in implementing the disclosure herein. Reference will also be made to Figure 5 which shows an example of a graphical user interface 'GUI' which may be associated with self-screening module 119, 123. Method 300 can begin a step 302 where a user is provided with a series of interactive forms containing questions regarding behavior related to an addiction. This may, for example, be provided through a GUI on a display of a device running online application 110 or mobile application 120 of system 200 using for example, self-screening tool 119, 123. The user may be guided through a series of questions relating to, for example, their history and experiences. In the case of problem gambling, for example, questions may be provided to a user regarding their gambling behavior, gambling history, gambling urges or triggers, negative consequences of their gambling such as the amount of money or possessions which have been lost, the impact their gambling has had on friends and family and their feelings relating to their gambling, etc. The questions may also include questions directed to friends and family of people experiencing the specific issue such as friends and family of a problem gambler.

Figure 5 shows an example of a question page for use with a questionnaire related to an embodiment of the self-screening tool. The question page of Figure 5 allows a user to utilize a slide bar to answer a question related to the addiction, in this case gambling. Those of skill in the art will recognize that other means of inputting information could be used such as forms including, for example, text boxes, drop down menus, radio buttons and the like.

At 304, responses to the questions posed in 302 may be received. A user may input their responses through any suitable input means such as a keyboard, trackball, mouse, etc. Method 300 may then return to 302 to provide further questions to the user in relation to their addiction.

When all the interactive questions have been provided and data has been received, method 300 continues to 306 where an assessment is made of the level or severity of the addiction based on the information provided by the user. In some embodiments, a recognized tool for assessing the severity of an addiction may be used such as, for example, the Problem Gambling Severity Index (PGSI). The PGSI gives a score between 0 and 27 based on answers to a series of questions provided to the user. The score provides an indication of the severity of the addiction such as non-problem gambling, low level of problems with few or no identified negative consequences, moderate level of problems leading to some negative consequences or problem gambling with negative consequences and a possible loss of control. The assessment may be used to provide results of the screening to the user at 308. These results may be provided visually, such as in the form of a graph or chart, and/or they may include a textual explanation of the results.

If the severity of the addiction is assessed to be beyond a predetermined threshold at 310, the user may be prompted or otherwise encouraged to register with the program using, for example, registration/authentication module 112,121 of system 200, to utilize one or more of the tools available or to contact a health care professional or support mechanism. In some embodiments, the user will be prompted to register regardless of the assessment at 306.

If a user does register with system 200 after completing the self-screening module 119,123, the information provided by the user may be stored by system 200, for example in database(s) 106 of server side system 101. If the user does not register with system 200 after utilizing the self-screening module 119,123, the information provided by the user may be deleted or otherwise disposed of.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 which shows a flow diagram representing an example of a method 400 of providing self-directed assistance for an addiction according to one embodiment. Method 400 is suitable for use in, for example, online application 110 or mobile application 120 of FIG. 1 in implementing the disclosure herein. Reference will also be made to Figures 7 to 27 which shows examples of displays which may be provided to a user of system 200. Method 400 can begin at 401 where a user may be prompted to login or register. If a user has previously registered with system 200, they may be able to login using, for example, for a user id (which may include an email address) and a password with which they may be authenticated. In some embodiments, once the user has logged in and been authenticated, information relating to the user's profile or other information may be downloaded or otherwise accessed from, for example, database(s) 106 of system 200.

If a user has not previously registered with the system, they may be prompted to register. In some embodiments, a user may be asked to provide an address, such as an email address. This may be done, for example, to serve as unique identifier and, in some instances, in order to allow messages, such as email messages, to be sent to a user. In some embodiments, a user may also be asked for demographic information in order to create a user profile. This demographic information may include, for example, an age or age range, sex, ethnicity, country and/or province or state of residence. After a user has submitted information, they may receive an email comprising, for example, a URL and token which may be used to create a password.

In some embodiments, the registration may be an anonymous registration. Anonymous registration may include, for example, allowing the user to select a user id and/or password of their choosing without requiring identifying information. Age ranges of a user may be collected instead of a user's date of birth in order to better protect identity. In some embodiments, users may be encouraged to create an anonymous email address for the use of the site. Any demographic information that is collected may be optional.

In some embodiments, a user may have to register and/or login before accessing any of the tools, programs or information relating to the addiction. In other embodiments, a user may have access to some of the tools, programs or information without registering or logging in. In still other embodiments, a user may not have to login or register to access any of the tools, programs or information. If the user is a new user, at 406, they may be prompted to enter information regarding their history in association with the addiction (using history module 118,122 of Figure 2). Using a series of interactive tools or forms, the user may enter information such as, for example, information regarding the types of behaviors engaged in 412, the frequency of such behavior 414, money that has been lost or won in the past 416, moods or triggers 418 and/or coping tools 419. Examples of displays configured to allow a user to enter historical information related to an addiction are shown in Figures 6 and 15a-19b. Once the user has completed entering history information, they may be directed to a main screen for the application. If a user is not a new user, they may be directed to a main screen after logging into the system 200. In this case, history information, which had previously been entered, may be retrieved from a memory associated with the electronic device used to access system 200 or from a central location such as server system 101. In some embodiments, a user may be able to change or update their history information at any time. At 408, a main screen or main page may be displayed to the user. This main screen may provide selectable options, such as a menu or series of buttons, which a user may use to access various elements of the application. For example, a user may be provided with an option to launch a self-monitoring tool at 440 (using self-monitoring module 116,125 of Figure 2), set or modify their goals in relation to the addiction at 430 (using goals module 111,126 of Figure 2), create or view reports at 450 (using reports module 115, 129 of Figure 2) or access one or more self-directed exercises at 420 (using self- directed exercises module 114, 124 of Figure 2). An example of a main screen for mobile application 120 is shown in Figure 14. Throughout the tools and exercises available to a user, pop ups or dialog boxes may appear in order to guide the user or provide tips and other information.

At 440, a user may be able to enter information relating to an urge to engage in behavior associated with the addiction, such as the urge to gamble. In some embodiments, a user may be encouraged to enter information in response to each urge experienced. For example, using mobile application 120, a user may be able to enter information immediately upon experiencing such an urge using a mobile device 11. The information provided by the user may include information about the time and location of the urge 442 (as shown, for example, in Figures 19a-19b), the strength of the urge, actions taken in response to the urge or the outcome of the urge (as shown, for example, in Figures 20a-23b), such as whether or not the user did engage in the activity in question and the type of activity (e.g. the type of gambling which was performed such as lottery, horse racing, bingo, table games in a casino, poker in a casino, poker online, slots, video lottery terminal or sport betting), the amount spent and/or time spend gambling, the trigger(s) for the urge 446 (as shown in Figures 24a-24b), feeling related to the urge (as shown in Figures 25a-25b), people present when the urge occurred, the location in which the urge occurred, and/or the consequences of the urge (as shown in Figures 26a-26b). With respect to triggers, the user may be provided with a list of common or clinically relevant triggers and/or they may be provided with an opportunity to enter their own trigger into a custom field. The types of information listed here are meant to exemplary and not limiting in the types of information which may be received in relation to an urge. Figure 8-12 and 20a-28b show examples of displays that may be provided to a user in relation to self-monitoring module 116,125.

The information provided at 440-446 may be used, possibly in conjunction with other information provided by a user, to perform a statistical or logistical analysis of various elements of the addiction. For example, the information may be used to detect patterns in the data such as, for example, common triggers, locations in which urges are more likely to occur, triggers associated with particular types of gambling, feelings which may result in urges to gamble, etc. In some embodiments, user inputs from above can be filtered down, for example, to day, week, month, 3 month and to date. The information entered by the user in self-monitoring may be used, possibly in conjunction with other information such as goals information as discussed below, to determine that a user may be in trouble, for example, that they may be slipping back into old behavior. The information reported back may also be applied to help users prepare for avoiding future triggers and urges associated with addiction relapses. In some cases, this may cause the system 200 to react, for example, by sending messages, such as motivational messages, to the user.

At 430, a user may be prompted to enter one or more general or specific goals in relation to the addiction and recovery. These goals may include, for example, quitting the addictive behavior for good 432, cutting back on behavior associated with the addiction 434 or quitting one or more particular types of behavior associated with the addiction 436. An example of a display provided to a user to enter information relating to their goals is shown in Figure 7. In some embodiments, information related to a user's goals may be used to contextualize information received, for example, by self-monitoring module 116, 125 and/or self-directed exercises module 114,124. For example, information related to the amount a user has gambled, the time spent gambling and/or the types of gambling that a user has engaged in may be compared to goals set by the user in order to, for example, generate reports or provide messages to a user such as informational and/or motivational electronic messages or pop-ups. For example, if a user has met their goal, they may be provided with a message congratulating them on their accomplishment. If a user has not met their goals, they may be provided with a message motivating them to stay on track.

At 420, a user may be provided with one or more self-directed exercises which may aid in their understanding of and recovery from the addiction. These exercises may include a mix of introspective, educational, informational and treatment activities. The exercises may help a user work though issues related to the addiction and, in some cases, may provide feedback or information which may be useful to the user. Users may be able to access the self-directed exercises and complete the sections in any order they want or there may be a specific flow or ordering of the exercises that must be followed. The interactive exercises may be designed to help a user become more self-aware and teach them skills for gaining greater control of their behavior associated with the addiction. In some embodiments, inputs provided by a user may be archived for review or repeat exercises.

At 450, one or more reports may be generated and provided on a display of an electronic device used to access the system. Figure 13 and 29 show examples of reports which may be generated and provided to a user regarding the addiction. The reports may use information received from the user through mobile application 120 or online application 110 or a combination of these to, for example, provide a numerical and/or visual results regarding areas which may be of particular concern for a user such as urges, feelings, moods, money which has been won or lost, time spent engaged in potentially problematic activities, etc. Data gathered through one or more of the modules of online application 110 and/or mobile application 120 may be used to determine patterns, such as patterns of urges and gambling events, which may then be provided in a report. In some embodiments, the reports at 450 may be saved, printed or sent. For example, in some embodiments, the reports may be sent through electronic mail, electronic messaging or the like to, for example, a therapist or other concerned party.

The systems, methods and tools described herein may include aspects designed for people who are affected by someone else's health issue (such as someone else's gambling problem). They may be a husband, wife, common- law partner, mother, father, child or other important person in the life of someone with the addiction.

Some embodiments of the systems, method and tools may also include an anonymous peer support discussion board. Other embodiments may incorporate an online therapist to, for example, moderate the discussion board and answer questions and concerns in a one-to-one or one-to-many relationship. In some embodiments, discussion threads may be linked to an individual's interactive exercises so users can help and educate each other as they move through the self-directed tools. In some cases, a user may start as an anonymous user, possibly in a one-to- one or one-to-many relationship with an online therapist, and migrate to a clinical situation where anonymity is no longer possible, such as an in person clinical relationship. In other words, a user may "graduate" to a known clinical relationship with a therapist. In such cases, with permission of the user, information collected by the system may be used in the clinical situation. This may involve proofing of the individual's account to provide the information required for a clinical relationship. This may include additional health information, government or private health insurance, personally identifying information, etc. For example, in some cases, information collected by the system disclosed herein may be downloaded and form the beginning of a health record, such as an electronic health record, for the individual. This could be done securely and using a variety of methods depending on where the data and the electronic health record are housed. If they are housed in the same facility and server environment, the data could be automatically and securely transferred from one database and server to another. Alternately, a method of downloading and storing the data by the user would also be possible, using mobile media that the user delivers to the therapist. Where data cannot be mapped accurately from one system to another or where the systems are completely independent, a structured report of the data could be automatically generated. Users of the system disclosed herein may also have access to a 24 hour chat feature that allows them to immediately access help if they would like to escalate their level of problem gambling treatment. This may allow users to be immediately booked into a face-to-face session at a local treatment agency. Users may have a variety of synchronous and asynchronous methods of communicating with a therapist as well as with each other. This can include text message, email, discussion board, chat, video conference, etc.

The systems, methods and tools described herein may also be used in conjunction with traditional forms of therapy (such as one-on-one in person or group therapy) to augment the therapy. For example, the self-monitoring tool described above may be a useful addition to traditional therapy.

While the invention has been described and illustrated in connection with specific, presently-preferred embodiments, many variations and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The invention is therefore not to be limited to the exact components or details of methodology or construction set forth above. Except to the extent necessary or inherent in the processes themselves, no particular order to steps or stages of methods or processes described in this disclosure, including the Figures, is intended or implied . In many cases the order of process steps may be varied without changing the purpose, effect, or import of the methods described . The scope of the claims is to be defined solely by the appended claims, giving due consideration to the doctrine of equivalents and related doctrines.