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Gambling as a form of addiction has been recognised by the medical profession since 1980. Like alcoholics who are addicted to alcohol and are dependent on it, gambling addicts are addicted to gambling and dependent on it. They cannot resist their impulse to gamble. This leads to financial problems, difficulties with partners and other family members and many other challenges including with employment. As a result, addicts suffer problems with their mental health leading to serious depression and even suicidal ideation.
Gamblers Anonymous have devised 20 questions to help identify a problem gambler. Most compulsive gamblers will answer yes to at least seven of these questions. The essence of them is as follows:
Many people will have heard of Alcoholics Anonymous, which is a support group helping those with alcohol problems and addiction. A sister fellowship exists for gamblers – called Gamblers Anonymous (GA) which is run by gamblers who have manged to beat their problem and is for people who need help to overcome it. It is based on similar principles and promotes total abstinence from gambling. There should be a meeting of this group somewhere not too far from where you live and it is free to attend. ‘Closed’ meetings are only for people who have experienced gambling addiction; ‘Open’ meetings are for people who want to find out what help is available, usually for a family member or friend. GamAnon which runs alongside GA is also available in some locations for the families of gamblers.
GamCare offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in the UK.
It runs the National Gambling Helpline (0808 8020 133) and also offers face-to-face counselling.
National Problem Gambling Clinic If you live in England or Wales, are aged 16 or over, you can refer yourself to this specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers.
The Gordon Moody Association offers residential courses for men and women – email help@gordonmoody.org.uk or call 01384 241292 to find out more.
There are also many private addiction treatment centres which can treat problem gamblers using cognitive behavioural therapy and usually accompanied by a 12 Step Treatment Programme. This usually involves a residential stay of 28 days and can cost anything up to £10,000. However, many gamblers of course – by their very nature – do not have this sort of money available. So, it is worth considering how much more could be lost if the gambler does not get help and sometimes family members will ‘club together’ to fund the treatment. Try The Haynes Clinic (call 01462 851414) who have successfully treated many gamblers.