The effects of addiction to gambling can be devastating to the individual as well as their family, friends, workplace and community. Gambling addiction is linked to a range of personal and social issues including; depression and suicide, bankruptcy, family breakup, domestic abuse, assault, fraud, theft, and homelessness.
People with gambling problems may cover up or lie when asked where they have been, or where money has gone. This makes problem gambling hard to identify. Families often know something is wrong — but not what is wrong. You could be living or working with a compulsive gambler and not know it until the problems are out of control.
Counselling is the first step to regaining control of the problems that gambling has caused, and is the best way to find a long-term solution. Free treatment, including counseling, is available to anyone affected by gambling, including family members.
Local Support Service – Gambling
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust Early Intervention Service offers support for individuals and their families who are concerned about the impact of gambling and/or substance misuse in their lives. The Early Intervention Service aims to provide a non-judgemental accessible service to people in the Southern Trust area to address the harmful effects of gambling and/or substance misuse via one to one sessions, group and family support. Families affected by gambling, drugs and alcohol misuse in the Southern Trust area can independently avail of support even if their loved one does not want to engage in the service. Request a referral from your GP or key worker. You can also self-refer by contacting the Southern Trust Addiction Team and ask for the Early Intervention Services Tel (028) 3756 4513 or Email: community.addictions@southerntrust.hscni.net
DUNLEWEY Addiction Services specialise in counselling, training and support services in the field of addiction. DUNLEWEY Gambling Support Service provides a confidential helpline throughout Ireland. DUNLEWEY can offer; emotional support, advice, information and referral to counselling, for people experiencing problems with their gambling, and family members and friends affected by gambling. The counselling service is for adults over 18 who are directly or indirectly affected by problem gambling issues.
Freephone: NI Helpline Number: 0800 088 6725 (ROI Helpline Number: 1800 936 725)
DUNLEWEY Portadown Branch Tel: (028) 9039 2547 Email: admin@dunlewey.org
Gamblers Anonymous offers various help people with difficulties of compulsive gambling including a Forum, Chat room, literature and of course most importantly a meeting finder. Gamblers Anonymous meetings take place in; Lurgan, Dungannon and Armagh. For more information contact: Pat Christie Mobile: 07768 506 554 Email: pat.christie@yahoo.co.uk
Davina’s Ark (based in 22 Kilmorey Street, Newry) provides ‘client centred care approach’ for the person in alcohol, drug or behavioural addiction. For more information Tel: (028) 3027 9407 Email: info@davinasark.org.uk
UK National Gambling Online Support Service:
Gamblers Anonymous offers support for people with gambling addictions
GamCare is a national free helpline T: 0808 8020 133 offering advice, information and support for people experiencing gambling problems.
Republic of Ireland Support Service
Problem Gambling Ireland provide some independent support and resources to anyone whose life has been negatively impacted by problem gambling. For more information telephone 00353 8992 415 401 or Email info@problemgambling.ie