Draft health guidance suggests that doctors should question people with mental health problems about their gambling habits, to help identify those who may need assistance. This will include discussing software to limit online gambling and talking therapy at an earlier stage. The patients are referred to one of the 12 NHS gambling treatment clinics situated in England. 3.8 million people, among which children, are affected by the addiction of the 300,000 problem gamblers in the UK. The addiction problem mostly affects men, of whom 15% gamble online, whereas only 4% of women gamble online.
David Quinti, a man that stopped gambling eight years ago, lost £30,000, and had hit rock bottom in consequence of his addiction, shared his story. David had become a masterful liar and found his GP focussing on his drinking issue instead of his gambling issue when he opted for treatment of his depression. Eventually, it was David’s eight-year-old son that pleaded with him to stop that made him change. “The thought of what I could have lost means I’ve never relapsed,” he says.
The draft guidance has come from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice). People with depression, anxiety or thoughts about suicide or self-harm are asked about their drinking and drug habits to see if they have an addiction and if they need assistance. Nice interim director for guidelines Prof Jonathan Benger said, “Harmful gambling causes immense misery to all those who experience it.” He continued with stating that “We want those needing help or who are at risk to be identified sooner and receive appropriate help.”
NHS gambling clinics can currently see around 3000 patients per year. The National Gambling Helpline charity runs the GamCare and is of the opinion that healthcare professionals can be of great aid in preventing harm by assisting people in finding the right support. Fiona MacLeod, Director of Services, said: “We believe these recommendations, if implemented, will present a greater opportunity to prevent gambling harms from occurring in the UK.
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