In many states across Australia, local governments have enacted various measures to reduce problem gambling rates. Most of these programs focus on setting limits for players and changing the rules in gaming venues, but the Victorian government’s latest initiative is a little bit different. In a new program, doctors across the state will be trained to recognize the signs and symptoms of problem gambling to help with early intervention.
Problem gambling doesn’t only affect the player’s finances and personal relationships. It is also detrimental to their health. There are many physical symptoms that are experienced by problem gamblers, such as stress, migraines, high blood pressure, insomnia and depression.
Because of these health issues, a recent study has found that problem gambler’s visit their GPs more often than non-gamblers, and the new program builds on this. Doctors in Victoria will be trained to identify these signs and symptoms. So, if a patient exhibits any of these issues, their doctor may be able to determine whether or not they have a gambling problem.
This is important because many problem gamblers do not actively seek treatment until it is too late. Because the physical symptoms are so subtle, friends and family tend not to notice that anything is wrong. If doctors are trained to recognize these symptoms, they can help problem gamblers seek counselling and other support services before their addiction is too far gone.
“Early intervention in addiction leads to better outcomes,” says Dan Lubman, Professor of Addiction Studies and Services at Turning Point. The ‘Many Ways to Help’ program was launched in Melbourne yesterday. The Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation has made a wide range of resources available to help GPs across the state in identify and support problem gamblers.
This is a great program. We are pleased to see such an innovative approach being taken in the fight against problem gambling.
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