Problem gambling is an addiction like alcoholism
NOVEMBER: Responsible Gambling Month is an important time to raise people’s awareness of the dangers of problem gambling as it leads into the December holidays when many South Africans visit entertainment hotspots, casinos or racetracks to relax and have fun, according to Sibongile Simelane-Quntana executive director of the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation (SARGF).
She says while gambling can be a highly enjoyable holiday activity if it’s controlled and managed, it can quickly spiral out of control ruining relationships and draining finances if people are unaware of the early warning signs of problem gambling.
“During the December holiday season we expect an increase in the number of calls to our help line as people have greater access to money from bonuses and thirteenth cheques being paid out and more spare time on their hands,” says Simelane-Quntana.
“Irresponsible gambling can lead to people not having money to spend on their families during the festive season and in January when children go back to school and need clothing and educational equipment.
“Problem gambling may not be as openly discussed as other addictions such as alcoholism, but for sufferers, the addiction is just as painful, and the consequences frequently as dire.”
SARGF, which promotes responsible gambling and creates awareness about how to manage and minimise the potential harmful effects of problem gambling, defines problem gambling as when a person has the continuous urge to gamble despite the negative consequences that may occur as a result.
“We estimate that 3% of South Africans can be classified as problem gamblers with 0.5% being classified as pathological gamblers,” says Simelane-Quntana.
“Pathological gamblers have an impulse control disorder that leads them to gamble uncontrollably, which can result in significant damage to themselves and others,” she adds.
SARGF has identified several warning signs that may indicate a person is developing a gambling problem. These include:
Having constant thoughts about and a preoccupation with gambling;
Lying or concealing gambling activities from family and friends;
Attempting to cover losses by further gambling;
Taking extreme measures in order to get money with which to gamble;
Preferring to gamble rather than attend other important events like a family get together;
Feeling anxious or moody when not gambling;
Racking up large debts due to gambling activities;
Experiencing a deterioration in close relationships as a result of gambling;
Neglecting personal needs like sleeping, hygiene and eating in favour of gambling;
Manipulating people into lending or giving money to be used in gambling.
Simelane-Quntana says that like any addiction the first step to receiving help and support is admitting to the problem.
While a gambling addiction is difficult to fight alone, SARGF manages a helpline that provides free counselling and psychological support for gamblers and their families should a gambling problem develop.
“Our outpatient treatment programme easily accommodates individuals who are in full-time employment and can only attend sessions for a few hours a week,” says Simelane-Quntana.
“If the problem is particularly severe, the SARGF will refer the individual to an inpatient programme and, if necessary, will subsidise the treatment.
“If a person needs residential inpatient treatment it entails four weeks of admission to an addiction rehabilitation facility, which works best for highly motivated and committed individuals who have good support from family or friends.
“Education is a big part of the treatment as addiction is a multi-faceted issue involving brain chemicals that are released and give us a feeling of reward when we win. The same chemicals are at play in drug and alcohol addiction, which is why problem gamblers frequently experience impulse control disorders, unhealthy relationships with recreational drugs and alcohol, and even other psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.”
Simelane-Quntana says SARGF’s programme, which currently treats about 350 people a month, provides support to recovering problem gamblers who may relapse by contacting patients every three months or six months and encourage the patient to attend the Gamblers Anonymous meetings (GA), and allow them to come back for the treatment and counselling sessions for free.
SARGF also has a self-exclusion programme that is aimed at assisting problem gamblers to voluntary exclude themselves from gambling activities.
“You are only eligible to apply for revocation of the self-banning order after six months of being excluded from the gambling activities,” explains Simelane-Quntana.
“Upon the receipt of the request for revocation and the supporting documents (proof of attendance of the counselling sessions), the gambler can expect a response from the gambling board within a maximum of 30 days.
“Problem gamblers can beat their addiction. It’s never too late especially if they seek the SARGF treatment and counselling programme, which is free and completely confidential. Problem gambling can be cured.”
Support is readily available via the SARGF 24 hour, confidential and free counselling helpline 086 006 008 or counsellor@responsiblegambling.co.za or Whats-app to 076 675 0710. For more information, visit http://responsiblegambling.org.za/