‘How isolated and invisible gamblers must feel’
Nova Scotia government axes Gambling Support Network
Nova Scotians are often steered toward the Gambling Support Network when seeking help for their gambling habits.
Or at least they were. The network, launched by the provincial government in 2015, provided counselling through live chat and online forums moderated by clinicians and took on the existing problem gambling helpline, which was available to people 24-7. It’s listed as a helpful resource on websites such as the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and Casino Nova Scotia.
But when you click the link for the Gambling Support Network, it’s dead.
And when you call the Gambling Support Network helpline, it automatically goes to a recorded message that says, “Effective April 1, 2024, please contact Nova Scotia Health for services and support for gambling.” The recording then directs the caller to Nova Scotia Health’s provincial mental health and addictions intake line.
That’s because the provincial government recently diverted the funding for the Gambling Support Network to other programs provided by the Office of Addictions and Mental Health.
A spokesperson for the Office of Addictions and Mental Health said one of the key elements of universal mental health and addictions care is integration.
“An integrated system helps us connect Nova Scotians to a full range of available services, resources and supports and to provide better followup and long-term support,” the spokesperson said.
“This is just as important for Nova Scotians looking for help for problem gambling as for any other mental health and addictions issue. That’s why we’re making this change.”
RED FLAGS
That move, however, raised a lot of red flags for a Halifaxbased counsellor who specializes in treating people addicted to gambling.
“What’s very sad to me is the Gambling Support Network was secondary support. It was over the phone but at least it was tailored to gamblers and the people on it knew something about gambling,” Elizabeth Stephen said during an interview.
“Now there’s no devoted service to gamblers.”
Stephen said people looking for gambling support services often have a tough time finding where to go.
She said most of her clients who see her for gambling support have been directed to her through a friend or family member, adding she’s not inundated with gamblers.
Nova Scotia Health also sees very few people for gambling support services.
“From 2020-2024 … on average, for all intake assessments completed during that time for adults, one per cent or fewer of people reached out for support for gambling,” Jennifer Lewandowski, a spokeswomannfdor
Nova Scotia Health, said.
RANGE OF SUPPORTS
Lewandowski said Nova Scotia’s Mental Health and Addictions Program offers a range of free supports, including those for gambling.
She said some key no-cost services for people experiencing gambling concerns are:
- recovery support centres, which are available across the province. People can access one-on-one support and group treatment for people with gambling concerns.
- Access Wellness Nova Scotia is a free single-session supportive counselling services for individuals, couples or families.
- peer support phone service is a same-day service that is available to all Nova Scotians 18 and older who are experiencing gambling concerns.
- the provincial mental health and addictions crisis line (1-888-429-8167) is available 24-7 for anyone experiencing a mental health or addiction crisis or someone concerned about them.
However, Stephen believes there are also a lot of gamblers who “wouldn’t equate their gambling with a mental health issue or even an addiction.”
“So, they simply may not even think, even if they are looking for help, to even necessarily go there,” she said.
‘INVISIBLE’ PROBLEM
Speaking from experience, Stephen said she’s also seen people who have worked with a mental health clinician but gambling “was never addressed.”
“I think the main thing I’ve come away with in the last number of years is how invisible gambling is and how isolated and invisible gamblers must feel, even if they are beginning to think ‘maybe I should talk to someone about this.’ Who would they turn to? How would they navigate this?” Stephen said.
Stephen said that based on how much money gambling brings in for the provincial government, there should be support services specifically for gamblers, like the Gambling Support Network once provided. She noted talks about or hopes of MSI covering mental health and addictions services in the future, but added “it comes down to a person finding what services they need.”