Problem gambling is a major issue among Australian adults. Like all addictions, it is important to catch compulsive gambling behaviour early – unfortunately, many problem gamblers don’t come forward to ask for help until it is too late. A new campaign from the Responsible Gambling Fund aims to change this by encouraging early intervention for problem gamblers.
The new campaign aims to encourage problem gamblers to come forward early. While the signs of problem gambler are not always obvious until it is too late, this campaign is targeted at making people aware of suspicious behaviour that may require help from problem gambling counsellors. According to Gambling Help Counsellor Rhonda Woodford, problem gamblers wait quite a long time before they seek help.
She states that they will wait anywhere from two to ten years before they seek out the help they need to beat their addiction. Across Australia, help is readily available – but many problem gamblers are reluctant to visit counsellors or therapists. This is likely due to the fact that there is a unique stigma attached to problem gambling.
Recent studies have shown that problem gamblers are made to feel ashamed by their addiction while the general public tends to be more sympathetic towards individuals suffering from alcoholism or drug abuse. “Many people wrongly feel a sense of shame because they think gambling is something they should be able to control,” says Ms Woodford.
“By the time they seek help they have often suffered in silence for a long time, with their financial situation and relationships deteriorated”. Campaigns like this one play an important role in helping problem gamblers across the country.
It lets them know that it is okay to admit to having a gambling addiction so that they can take the next step and seek out assistance before it is too late.
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