GPs Could Assess Potential Problem Gambling Harms
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says GPs in the UK should help identify potential gambling problems.
Key Facts:
- NICE has made its first ever recommendations on gambling
- Research has found 2.5% of UK adults have a gambling problem
- Young men were found to be most at risk of developing a gambling addiction
- NICE says people working in mental health and social services should also be asking about gambling
This is the first time that NICE has made recommendations on gambling, with GPs asked to contribute to breaking down some of its associated stigma and shame.
GPs already ask their patients questions about drinking alcohol and smoking, with NICE suggesting that gambling habits could be added to the list.
Recent research found that 2.5% of adults in the UK are problem gamblers, with young men shown by the study to be at particularly high risk of developing an addiction.
Devastating Impact
Healthcare professionals should ask patients about gambling during their appointments if they are related to mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and self-harm, NICE said.
Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer for NICE, said in a statement that gambling-related harm can have a “devastating impact” on those who experience addiction, as well as their loved ones.
He said: “Our useful and usable guideline will help healthcare professionals and others to identify those needing help earlier and ensure they get the treatment and support they need.”
The new NICE guidelines have also received the backing of the National Clinical Director for Primary Care, Dr Claire Fuller.
She said: “Over the past few years, the NHS has made significant progress in expanding treatment for gambling addiction with the rollout of 15 specialist clinics across the country.”
Dr Fuller told those who are worried about their gambling to access the support that is available, which includes patients being able to refer themselves to a local NHS gambling clinic directly.
Government Backing
NICE’s intervention has also got the green light from the government, which is in the process of introducing a new statutory levy for the gambling industry. The new levy will raise around £100 million, according to the minister for gambling Baroness Twycross.
She said: “We welcome this guidance from NICE on identifying, assessing, and managing gambling-related harms, which will support those experiencing harmful gambling to get access to the right support.”
“We know that clinical treatment is not necessarily right for everyone, but it is important that there is a full spectrum of support as we strengthen treatment options.”
Data released in the Gambling Survey for Great Britain found that 2.8% of survey respondents who had gambled in the last year reported experiencing at least one severe consequence, which could include a relationship breaking down over the issue.
