Gambling Addiction

[@epicpgc]

Gambling addiction is the fastest growing addiction both in the UK and globally.
In the UK 73% of adults gamble in some form each year and there are 7% problem, compulsive or pathological gamblers that we know of, probably many, many more due to it being the hidden addiction. There are also a known 60,000 problem gamblers aged between 11-15, a massive ticking timebomb in terms of mental health, crime, financial problems, relationship breakdowns, the list goes on.
However it is always treated as the poor relation to drink and drug addiction and often shopping, sex and video game addiction also receive greater emphasis. I notice on this forum gambling doesn't have it's own heading.
Until the UK and the NHS really understand what a huge issue this is then it will continue to grow and grow and grow. I was myself a successful banker but for 8 years I also suffered a pathological gambling disorder transacting £4.8m. This ultimately led to a suicide attempt upon realisation, When I attended my GP they hadn't a clue what to do and would only allow CBT if I said I had anxiety. I now run the primary problem gambling consultancy in the UK - EPIC Problem Gambling Consultancy - based around Education, Prevention, Identification and Control of problem gambling. I firmly believe that education and awareness raising of problem gambling in the UK is the way to combat this psychological addiction.
I would be really interested to hear the thoughts of the panel.
Paul

[talkhealth]

Hi Paul,

Thank you very much for your posts!

I will create a gambling forum in this clinic now (and move your commnets into it) in case any one has any questions about this important area of addiction. We would love to feature your story on talkhealth if you would be willing to share it? If you email jess.denton@talkhealthpartnership.com I can give you some more details.

Best wishes and thank you for your participation in our clinic,

[Mark Dempster]

Paul great to read your email about gambling. I also have a clinic in harley st which focuses completely on addiction and also wrote a book last year - Nothing to Declare;confessions of an unsuccessful drug smuggler,dealer and addict. I like you am in recovering with 17 years sobriety. I work with many gamblers in my clinic most of which were addicted to FOBT (fixed odds betting terminals) I am appalled at how much exposure we are given to gambling advertising. We are bombarded on TV and radio with sports odds and payday loan companies (loan-sharks) selling their high interest loans to vulnerable pathological gamblers and addicts. Children are being groomed by the gambling industry as they play with there latest computer games that have horses running down tracks with ladbrokes or coral advertising above the racecourse - This is already an epidemic. I personally believe gambling addiction is as bad, if not worse, than drugs or alcohol addiction. The financial consequences of gambling addiction can haunt you for the rest of your life whereas with drugs and alcohol you stop and your life can get better quite quickly

best wishes
mark dempster