Help a patient or client
Some people might struggle to talk about their gambling for many reasons. For example:
- shame and embarrassment
- a lack of hope that their gambling can change based on a history of unsuccessful attempts
- a fear of being judged
- not recognising gambling as the main issue
- recognising the problems caused by their gambling but not feeling able or ready to tackle the issue
You can help by asking them: Has your gambling or the gambling of someone close to you had an impact on your life?
You might feel uncomfortable talking to a patient about their gambling. If they do have a problem, they might be relieved to discuss it. If they do not think they have a problem, they're unlikely to be offended by the question.
They might also not know support services exist. If your patient does need help with their gambling, you can encourage them to contact the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN), or other local support services.
The 3-step referral process
Here are the 3 steps you can take when referring a patient or client to gambling support services:
1. Learn about what support is available
2. Identify gambling related harms
3. Talk about their gambling
Step 1:
Learn about what support is available
There is support available from:
- the National Gambling Support Network
- the NHS
- local community support services
The National Gambling Support Network
The National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) is a group of organisations who help anyone affected by gambling. They provide free, non-judgmental, confidential treatment, advice and support.
This means the NGSN supports people who are experiencing gambling harms, as well as those affected by someone else’s gambling. From mental wellbeing to financial struggles, they can provide guidance to help get someone back on track.
They have support services available across England, Scotland and Wales.
The NHS
The NHS has a range of advice and support available for people who gamble, including gambling treatment clinics.
Local community support services
Local community support services can be a good option if your patient would prefer support which is more self-led. These services also offer ongoing ways to maintain new health habits once they quit gambling. These include:
Step 2:
Identify gambling related harms
Gambling harms can be anything that negatively impacts the life of the person gambling, or the life of those around them.
People usually go to a healthcare professional if they need help with gambling related harm. The person might not be aware that gambling is the issue. They can often be preoccupied with other symptoms. For example, anxiety, depression or stress that might result from gambling related harm.
It’s important to be aware that gambling can cause harm, and you should be prepared to ask about it. You could ask your patient: Has your gambling or the gambling of someone close to you had a negative impact on your life?
Recognising the signs of gambling harms will help you to offer the right support. Some of the common signs are:
- relationship breakdown
- financial difficulty
- stress
- depression
Step 3:
Talking about their gambling
If you’re a healthcare professional who needs to talk to someone about their gambling, you should make sure the language you use is compassionate, supportive, and not stigmatising.
Stigma is a negative belief that a society or group of people have about something which results in people being judged. Many people experiencing gambling harms are unfairly judged.
Language plays a large role in driving stigma. Do not use terms that reduce someone’s identity to their behaviour. For example:
- ‘problem gambler’
- ‘gambling addict’
Instead, use respectful, compassionate and non-judgmental language. For example:
- ‘person who gambles’
- ‘person experiencing problem gambling’
Refer to the National Gambling Support Network
Taking the first step of contacting the National Gambling Support Network (NGSN) can be the most challenging. You might want to offer to make the phone call with your patient to make sure they feel supported.
It’s important to follow up with your patient if they need continued support from you for other matters. This is so you can be aware of what support or treatment they might go on to receive through the NGSN.
The National Gambling Helpline
If your patient decides against being referred to the NGSN, you can still contact the National Gambling Helpline for advice on next steps. There are several stages of change, so it might be helpful to understand what stage your client might be at in their journey.
The National Gambling Helpline is operated by GamCare. When you call, an adviser will listen to what is going on with your patient and talk through the support options available.
You can contact the helpline by:
• calling 0808 8020 133
• live chat
The helpline is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
