NHS opens first gambling addiction centre

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by Change | 27 Nov 2008

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The NHS has launched its first treatment programmes for those coping with gambling addiction and related problems.

The National Health Service (NHS) has opened its first centre targeting compulsive betting in Soho, London.

addiction treatment will now be available from the National Problem gambling clinic (NPGC), which launched this week.

Staff at the facility include psychiatrists, psychologists and debt management experts, who aim to offer abuse support which targets the various facets of the condition.

Janet Brotchie, a consultant clinical psychologist at the site, revealed the age range of those coming to the centre for help with their gambling addiction was between 16 and 76.

She also highlighted the fact that the patients came from a variety of backgrounds and ethnic groups, including a number with high-flying careers.

Dr Henrietta Bowden-Jones, the NPGC's lead consultant psychiatrist, comments: "Due to the nature of their addiction, gamblers' finances are often in bad shape so an important part of treatment is to tackle debt management and employment issues."

She adds the programme is unique as it offers help for friends and families of those with the condition and aims to treat patients' accompanying mental health problems.

Earlier this year, Brian Pomeroy, the chairman of the Gambling Commission, highlighted the need to research effective therapy for the condition.

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