Nenagh service tackling gambling addiction

People from Nenagh or anywhere else in north Tipperary who suspect they might have a problem with gambling can find help right here on their own doorstep.

In fact, many local people have done so already since gambling support services were established in the Silver Arch Family Support Centre in Silver Street in June last year.

Silver Arch offers specialised one-to-one counselling sessions and aftercare group supports, designed to provide continuous and comprehensive care for individuals with such an addiction.

The service also provides supports for family members impacted by the addict’s behaviour. Dylan Johnston, a gambling counsellor with Silver Arch, recently issued a public appeal to local companies, informing them that there is help available for employees who might be in trouble.

“If you know of anyone who might benefit from our services, please feel free to reach out to us,” said Dylan.

He said Silver Arch was committed to providing the highest level of support and care.

The Nenagh service - supported by Tusla, the HSE, Pobal and The Gambling Awareness Trust - is just one of 20 such programmes operating out of the family resource centre network spread throughout the State.

So, just how big is the problem of gambling addiction? “It's a very significant,” says Jonathan, who outlines some of the pitfalls.

“The consequences of a gambling addiction can be absolutely huge. Unfortunately, when it gets quite bad it can lead to a lot of debt.

“A person might end up owing debts to family members, friends, banks, credit unions - and you could even have debts to the wrong people, which can be quite scary.”

Even though the shame and secrecy of addiction pose barriers to people seeking help, Dylan says the service in Nenagh has been quite busy since it was established nine months ago.

This interview was conducted last week during the annual Cheltenham Racing Festival.

It’s just one of those many times in the year that both victims and their families can find particularly challenging, says Dylan.

RECOGNISING THE PROBLEM

But how do people and those around them recognise the problem?

Dylan explains: “You might start off betting five euro. But then it goes up to €10, €20 and €50. Before you know it you're borrowing money and you're getting into a lot of trouble that way.”

The temptation to gamble is a lot more potent today than ever before, he says.

The online revolution has meant that it’s no longer simply a case of taking a stroll down to you local bookmaker’s to place a bet.

In fact, there are now numerous and tempting ways to gamble without even leaving your own home.

Dylan explains: “It's becoming more online, and more gamified and people can gamble a lot more money a lot more quickly online.

“They can resort to online slot machine games and wheel games. People could spend tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of euro in just a matter of weeks.”

HELP

Dylan said that advances in technology has also seen the emergence of methods aimed at trying to limit the behaviour of people who find themselves in real trouble. The help includes web blocking software that can be uploaded to  stop advertisements for gambling appearing  on an addict’s devices. Such software can also prevent people gambling by using their debit card. This can be a big help, Dylan says.

As well as tackling the addiction with treatment such a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and teaching methods to deal effectively with the triggers that prompt a person to gamble, the local service also helps victims to put financial plans in place to manage debts they have accrued because of their addiction.

“Social support is also very important,” says Dylan, who mentions other supports such as encouraging individuals to establish an effective and authentic social network.

Crucial to recovery, he says, is that individuals can get to a place where they can live into a much more fulfilling and happier lifestyle for the future.

It’s very difficult to recover alone but it can be achieved - with the right kind of support and help, he says.

WHO TO CONTACT

Those who think they may have a gambling addiction, or family members impacted, can contact Dylan: phone: 083-0167442 or email: d.johnston@silverarchfrc.ie.