Jake realised that he had a gambling problem at the age of 32. He describes the mental, physical and financial strains the addiction placed on his life, and experts explain that gambling addiction is as serious as drug or alcohol addiction. Find help if you or someone else has a gambling problem at the GamCare website or call 0845 6000133.
There may be as many as 450,000 problem gamblers in Great Britain.
The anticipation and thrill of gambling creates a natural high that can become addictive. The internet has made gambling more accessible, allowing more and more people to do it from home. This is thought to be one of the reasons for the increase in the number of women gamblers.
There's also a link between gambling and alcohol abuse. Many gambling addicts are also addicted to alcohol. Rates of depression and attempted suicide among gambling addicts are around double the national average. Gambling addicts are also more likely to go to prison as a result of criminal activity. This is almost entirely theft and fraud.
There's evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions. Cognitive behavioural therapy usually has the best results.
Specialised addiction services that focus mainly on substance misuse often also treat gambling problems. They use the same techniques to treat gambling addictions that they use to treat substance misuse.
Get help if you think you have a problem
CNWL National Problem Gambling Clinic
If you live in England or Wales and are over 16, you can refer yourself to the only specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers. For more information, visit the clinic's website.
GamCare
The main support organisation in the UK is GamCare, which runs a national telephone helpline and provides face-to-face counselling.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous uses the same twelve-step approach as Alcoholics Anonymous and also has a support group for relatives called Gam-Anon.
Could someone you know have a problem?
GamCare: supporting a problem gambler
Read stories from people who support a friend or relative with a gambling problem, and share your own experiences.
GamAnon
Help and support if you're affected by someone else’s gambling problem, including how to recognise the signs and where to find your nearest meeting.
Real stories
GamCare: recovery diaries
Read the stories of people with gambling addictions. You can post messages of support and tell your own story in the GamCare forum.
