Sallies offer help for stigmatised gamblers

HELP: Naomi Wickens (right), case manager for Wairarapa's new service for problem gamblers, with community worker Fiona McCracken (left) and mental health nurse Jenny Fleury.

A service for those struggling with a stigmatised and misunderstood addiction has opened in Masterton.

The Salvation Army has been contracted to provide problem gambling services in the Wairarapa -- including counselling support for those struggling with a gambling addiction, as well as family members, partners and others affected by someone else's gambling.

Public Health services are also delivered, aiming to reduce the harm that gambling can cause, help agencies to develop policies around gambling and raise awareness of problem gambling in the community.

In Wairarapa, counselling for problem gamblers was previously offered by Wairarapa Addiction Services and then Care NZ, until the Salvation Army picked up the contract in July.

Since then, the service has seen about 25 new clients, including family members, who range from professionals to beneficiaries.

Case manager Naomi Wickens, an addictions counsellor for 20 years, said there is a lot of shame around problem gambling, which makes it hard for people to seek help.

"It affects a broad range of people -- addictions are no respecter of social status," she said.

"For a long time, gambling was considered an impulse control disorder, but it's now seen in a similar way to other addictions.

"There hasn't been the same research into gambling as there has been for alcohol and other drug disorders and it's less understood."

Ms Wickens said many of her clients have become addicted to playing electronic gaming machines, otherwise known as pokies. With 15 gaming venues and 199 pokie machines in Wairarapa, there's plenty of temptation.

"The rewards are instant with pokies," she said.

"With the cute cartoon figures, the bright lights and music, people gravitate to them."

After a while, she said, people aren't playing for money, but to escape from reality.

"The pokies provide a safe area where people can hide away from the rest of the world. They sit at the machine, and blank out their problems."

Others have formed addictions to sports betting, online poker games and even to Keno and scratchy cards.

Interestingly, she has seen an influx of older clients, aged 60 and over, who find gambling an antidote to loneliness and isolation.

In counselling, Ms Wickens helps clients identify the root cause of their addictions, and the triggers which lead them to gamble excessively.

"I have clients whose parents gambled, and have clear memories of their parents winning big and the excitement that followed.

"Others have no idea why -- the key is recognising what's keeping them hooked."

Other support the service offers includes referral to budgeting services to help reduce and manage debt, linking with other agencies and facilitating restorative meetings with family members.

"A lot of gamblers have burnt their bridges with family but, when they reconcile, they have that support back. I've seen people finally apologise to their families for using their money to gamble -- saying sorry made a huge difference."

Ms Wickens said the service is recruiting a public health practitioner to raise awareness in the community of the potential dangers of gambling.

If you think you may require help for problem gambling, contact the service by ringing 06-3703317 or ring the Salvation Army freephone 0800 530 000.