The Silent Struggle: Unveiling the Global Gambling Addiction Crisis and the Urgent Need for Intervention
A pioneering international investigation from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) has uncovered a shocking reality: a mere one in 400 individuals struggling with a gambling addiction will pursue assistance. This research, co-written by Dr. Simone Rodda, an Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at AUT, represents the inaugural endeavor to quantify the true pervasiveness of problematic gambling.
The results depict a bleak scenario: an estimated 5.8% of adults globally grapple with gambling issues, yet a scant 0.2% have ever sought support. To illustrate the magnitude, the study determined that individuals grappling with severe gambling difficulties were only five times more inclined to seek help compared to those exhibiting moderate-risk gambling behaviors – with a mere one in 25 individuals within the latter category pursuing assistance.
Dr. Rodda emphasizes the pressing need for intervention in New Zealand, asserting, “Our discoveries demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of individuals facing gambling challenges never receive treatment.” She elaborates, “Rates of help-seeking in New Zealand mirror global estimations, implying that we possess the capacity to enhance our efforts in guaranteeing that gamblers can access convenient and suitable assistance when the need arises.”
Dr. Rodda and her colleagues, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and service organizations such as the Problem Gambling Foundation and the Salvation Army, have been diligently striving to tackle this concern. Their endeavors have concentrated on crafting online assessment instruments and user-friendly self-help materials. Nevertheless, as Dr. Rodda highlights, “The obstacle lies in ensuring that these supports effectively reach those who require them.”
Its crucial to address the issue of compulsive wagering directly. This involves identifying effective strategies and recognizing existing efforts to mitigate gambling-related harm.
Should you be facing difficulties, a positive initial action is confiding in a trusted individual, such as a companion or physician. Keep in mind that within New Zealand, complimentary expert assistance is accessible.”
