GPs Encouraged to Identify Potential Gambling Addicts

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thomasmyers

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Healthcare professionals in England are now being urged to screen for gambling addiction in the same way they do for smoking and alcohol dependency. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has issued new guidelines, emphasizing that gambling-related harms can affect health, finances, and family well-being. A 2023 survey of 20,000 adults found that 2.5% had a gambling problem, with young men being the most vulnerable.
The recommendation encourages mental health workers and social services to ask about gambling, particularly when dealing with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, addiction history, or even suicidal thoughts. NICE suggests these discussions should happen in a relaxed environment to reduce stigma, which makes sense — many people might not recognize gambling as an addiction or feel too embarrassed to talk about it.
Since 2019, NHS England has opened 15 gambling addiction clinics, aiming to treat 3,000 people annually with psychologists, psychiatrists, and family support. It’s a step in the right direction, but considering how widespread the issue is, is this enough? Should routine medical check-ups include gambling addiction screenings? It’s interesting to see how gambling is now being taken as seriously as other addictions — do you think this will make a difference?
 
Wow, finally! Gambling addiction is super serious but often overlooked. I think it’s about time healthcare pros started treating it like smoking or drinking. People need to realize it’s a real problem.
 
I know folks who’ve lost everything to gambling. It messes with your head and your wallet. Screening should definitely be part of regular check-ups, no doubt.
 
But, like, how do they even approach that convo? Asking about gambling in a chill way sounds tricky. Not everyone is cool with talking about stuff like that.
 
I can see someone feeling awkward about admitting they’ve got a problem. It’s like, “Hey, doc, I’m broke ‘cause I can’t stop playing poker.” Not an easy thing to say.
 
Honestly, it's about time. I've seen firsthand what gambling does to families — my cousin lost his job and nearly his marriage. No one took it seriously until it was too late. If GPs had asked sooner, maybe he would've gotten help earlier.
 
Yeah but come on, are doctors really gonna ask every anxious patient if they gamble? Half the population has anxiety. Feels like a box-ticking exercise that'll just waste time unless there's real follow-up care.
 
margaretwilson3345 said:
Yeah but come on, are doctors really gonna ask every anxious patient if they gamble? Half the population has anxiety. Feels like a box-ticking exercise that'll just waste time unless there's real follow-up care.
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I get the skepticism, but some people won’t bring it up unless prompted. And if even one person opens up and avoids a total spiral, it’s worth the minute it takes to ask the question.
 
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