20th May 12 
Gambling addiction 'growing'
GAMBLING addiction is on the rise in Dumfries and Galloway, it has been revealed.
Lili Culbert, of Alcohol and Drug Support (ADS), states their new support service has seen a deluge of gamblers looking for help.
She said: “We have people across the region where families have split up, jobs and businesses have been lost and they have no money because of this, it’s very serious.
“It’s absolutely becoming a big problem locally, especially with young people.”
And she warned it can lead to depression, anxiety, panic attacks and suicidal thoughts.
“We have clients that just cannot cope,” said Lili. “It’s doing a whole lot of damage.”
“Crime can be involved as well. It’s a slippery slope.”
She explained that problems often start young with ‘social gambling’ on fruit machines: “They are with their friends at 14 spending the £5 they were given for lunch. Instead of eating they are using the money for gambling and might also take money from their parents.
“They think it’s bit of fun and do not see the potential harm. Before they realise it they are having major problems and cannot stop. They are totally preoccupied with gambling from the minute they wake up to the minute they go to sleep, their whole life revolves around it.”
But it’s not just teenagers, Lili also warned about the dangers of free bet offers in bookies and online bingo sites aimed at women, adding: “It could be happening in the home, when the kids are in bed, mum is on the computer with a credit card playing bingo.”
Linking it to the economic crisis, she said: “People are turning to alternative ways of potentially trying to earn money.
“They think they will win and they win a wee bit but then lose everything.”
Gambling problems can be difficult to spot says Lili, who describes it as a ‘hidden addiction’ lacking the same visual signs as drug and alcohol dependence.
She said: “Potentially everyone knows someone, even just someone going to bingo. If it’s every night you might not think anything of it but ask them not to go and then see.
“You will never pick it up until there’s no money in the bank.”
ADS is offering free confidential therapy for over 16s to try and bring about behaviour change. Partners and family can also receive support.
To find out more, contact Lili on 07787 255553.
NEWSDESK: 01461-202417
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