The recent high profile admissions by Ray Warren and Brendan Fevola of problems with gambling have highlighted the fact that gambling affects all sections of the community and there is a need to seek treatment early. This week (17th May) is Responsible Gambling Awareness Week, and problem gamblers, their families and friends are urged to seek help and information at the University of Sydney’s Gambling Treatment Clinic.
Clinical psychologist at the clinic, Christopher Hunt said students were a high risk group for problem gambling, yet research showed they were underrepresented in receiving treatment.
“The Australian Productivity Commission has found that for every problem gambler, there are five to 10 others who are significantly affected,” he said.
“Those who have a close relationship with problem gamblers are often the first to realise something is wrong. Because of that, they have a vital role to play in ensuring that those gamblers get the help they need.”
Staffed by fully qualified psychologists and clinical psychologists, the Clinic offers free one-on-one treatment services for problem gamblers, their family and friends at its offices at Darlington, Lidcombe, Parramatta, Campbelltown and Tahmoor.
“We are happy to see clients with difficulties with all forms of gambling, and from any section of the community,” Mr Hunt said.
“We are funded via the NSW Government Responsible Gambling Fund and offer our service year round, during business hours.
“In our research, we have been investigating topics such as definitions of problem gambling, the potential for adverse effects as a result of gambling and effective treatment methods.
“We are currently preparing to conduct a large scale randomised control trial on the treatment of problem gambling from July of this year, in which we will be comparing the effectiveness of three different currently available therapeutic methods.”
Responsible Gambling Awareness Week is a national initiative supported by state governments. One of its key focuses is on the problem gambler’s support network.
If you think you or someone you know might have a gambling problem, please make a booking with the Gambling Treatment Clinic at one of these locations:
- Camperdown and Darlington 9351 6346
- Lidcombe and Parramatta 9036 7342
- Campbelltown 9036 9336
You can also email the Clinic at gtclinic@psych.usyd.edu.au
Media inquiries: Rachel Gleeson, 0403 067 342,9351 4312, rachel.gleeson@sydney.edu.au
