A novel investigation from the Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has uncovered a worrisome reality: a mere one out of every 400 individuals battling gambling dependency will pursue assistance. This research endeavor, a joint effort spearheaded by Dr. Simone Rodda, Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at AUT, represents the first comprehensive examination of the worldwide frequency of help-seeking actions associated with problematic gambling.
The results depict a bleak scenario. While approximately 5.8% of adults globally contend with gambling difficulties, a scant 0.2% have ever sought help. This discrepancy is further magnified when considering the intensity of the dependence. People with severe gambling issues are five times more prone to seek assistance compared to those exhibiting moderate-risk gambling habits, yet even then, it remains only one in five.
Dr. Rodda stresses the pressing need for intervention in New Zealand, also referred to as Aotearoa, to tackle this concern. “Our data clearly demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of individuals grappling with gambling difficulties never receive any form of intervention,” she asserts. “The help-seeking ratios in Aotearoa reflect the global estimations, underscoring the substantial opportunity for enhancement in guaranteeing available and pertinent support for those requiring it.”
Dr. Rodda and her fellow researchers, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and service organizations such as the Problem Gambling Foundation and the Salvation Army, have been diligently striving to close this gap by creating online assessment instruments and user-friendly self-assistance materials.
“The obstacle lies in guaranteeing that these resources reach those who require them the most,” Dr. Rodda adds. The study emphasizes the paramount significance of elevating awareness, diminishing stigma, and enhancing accessibility to support services to effectively address the frequently concealed problem of gambling dependency.
To truly address compulsive betting, public health authorities must comprehend existing effective strategies for mitigating gambling-related harm.
Should you encounter difficulties, an initial step is confiding in a trusted individual, such as a companion or general practitioner. New Zealand offers accessible, cost-free assistance from qualified professionals.
