WHAT IS THE NATIONAL RESPONSIBLE GAMBLING PROGRAMME? The National Responsible Gambling Programme or NRGP is a country-wide resource that does research, training and public awareness focussing on problem gambling and also provides professional treatment and counselling for problem gamblers or their family members. NRGP TREATMENT SERVICES • Telephone counselling line The Problem Gambling Counselling Line is available at all times to discuss any type of gambling problem that you might have. • Outpatient treatment The NRGP outpatient problem gambling service is available free of charge in more than 50 locations around southern Africa and is delivered by trained professional counsellors. Treatment is based on a customised, weekly counselling programme. • Inpatient treatment Problem gamblers who meet certain criteria may be treated at one of four clinics in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Bloemfontein and Durban. This treatment is subsidised by the NRGP. • Family counselling To help those who are affected by someone else’s gambling problems, the NRGP offers three free counselling sessions, with a trained professional providing intervention techniques and support as part of a family counselling programme. • Continuing care The NRGP provides a continuing care programme targeted at clients who complete the programme, and want further ongoing support in the form of group therapy. • Debt management Problem gamblers very frequently end up in debt. Debt management counselling is available as an optional part of the NRGP treatment service, in collaboration with a registered debt management agency. A referral to the NRGP’s outpatient or inpatient treatment network can make all the difference to your wellbeing – emotionally, physically, and even financially. It is an organisation specifically established to address the challenges posed by South Africa’s developing gambling environment after the gambling industry was legalized in South Africa in 1996. ? Addicted to gambling? FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO DISCUSS A GAMBLING PROBLEM: Call the National Responsible Gambling Programme’s tollfree counselling line 0800 006 008 Head Office: 021 674 5926 Fax: 021 674 5832 International: +27 21 674 5830 Email: [email protected] Website: www.responsiblegambling.co.za Always remember: Gambling is entertainment, not a way to get rich quickly or to pay off debts. Gambling is all about chance. Chance depends purely on luck. Luck is something you can’t control. ? up to three in 100 adult South Africans may have a gambling problem what can you do about problem gambling gambling is entertainment, not a way to pay off debts Addicted to gambling? gambling is all about chance gambling is entertainment, not a way to get rich quickly gambling is all about chance and chance depends purely on luck and luck is something we cannot control ? Addicted to gambling? Research suggests that three in 100 adult South Africans may have a gambling problem, but few ask for help. The problem often remains concealed until it is too late and by then, the damage is done. It is not called the ‘hidden addiction’ for nothing! There are no obvious signs: no smell of alcohol on the breath, no unsteady gait, slurred speech, spaced-out behaviour: so the tell-tale signs are easy to conceal. Most people who gamble enjoy the activity as an exciting form of entertainment, but almost anyone who gambles is also potentially at risk of developing a gambling problem. COULD YOU BE A PROBLEM GAMBLER? Take the internationally recognised lie/bet screening test and check it out. Answer the following two questions: 1. Have you ever lied to anyone important to you about how much you gamble? YES / NO 2. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money? YES / NO If you answer yes to one or both questions, further assessment is needed. Call the NRGP Problem Gambling Counselling Line on 0800 006 008. Problem Gambling is often disguised by physical symptoms, so you need to inform your doctor if you think you may have a gambling problem: • headaches • abdominal discomfort • anxiety • depression • sleep disturbances Problem Gambling often occurs alongside alcohol or drug use disorders. Seeking help for one problem while ignoring the other, usually keeps you locked into both. WHAT IS PROBLEM GAMBLING? Problem Gambling shares the features of an impulse control disorder, a compulsive disorder and an addictive disorder. The cause is complex and involves multiple factors including genetics, distorted thoughts and psychological problems. WHAT ARE THE WARNING SIGNS? • Spending much more time or money gambling than was originally intended • Finding yourself pre-occupied with planning for gambling opportunities during your day • Manipulating people into providing you with money to gamble • Gambling in order to try and recover your losses • Gambling with progressively bigger amounts to generate more excitement • Resorting to criminal behaviour to fund your gambling • Neglecting family or work commitments to gamble • Feeling anxious and moody when you are unable to gamble • A breakdown in close relationships because of gambling debt and dishonesty • Lying to concerned others about your gambling activity WHAT CAN YOU DO ABOUT PROBLEM GAMBLING? Problem Gambling is a treatable condition that responds well to intervention. The NRGP treatment service can assist with further free screening, advice and counselling. HOW TO AVOID GAMBLING PROBLEMS • Decide beforehand how much money you are willing to spend and then stick to your limit. • Don’t try and recoup your losses – they may only increase. • Be aware of how often, and for how long you play. • When you are winning, take occasional breaks. Think about the smart time to stop.