A recent narrative review published in the Medical Journal of Australia underscores the growing public health crisis of gambling disorder in Australia and New Zealand. The study reveals the disorder’s extensive impact on mental health, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced long-term solutions to address this escalating issue.
Study Overview
Conducted by researchers from Auckland University of Technology and Deakin University in Melbourne, the review presents gambling disorder as more than a personal financial issue; it is a significant trigger for severe mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicide. Over the past 25 years, research into gambling disorders has expanded rapidly, primarily due to new levies imposed on gambling operators.
Scope of Gambling in Australia and New Zealand
In Australia alone, more than $24 billion is wagered annually on various forms of gambling, including poker machines, sports betting, lotteries, and casino games. The review notes that poker machines account for the highest expenditure and prevalence of gambling-related problems.
The ongoing debate over gambling reform has intensified, particularly concerning gambling advertising and the protection of youth. The Australian government is considering implementing significant restrictions on gambling advertisements, potentially instituting a total ban on digital ads and prohibiting television commercials for one hour before and after sports broadcasts.
Prevalence and Demographics
Currently, approximately 1 percent of the adult population in both Australia and New Zealand suffers from gambling disorder, with an additional 3-5 percent at risk. The review identifies a diverse demographic affected by this issue, with men, online gamblers, and poker machine users being particularly vulnerable. Comparatively, international prevalence rates for gambling disorder range from 0.5 percent to 7.6 percent, averaging between 1.3 and 2.3 percent.
Changing Gambling Landscape
The gambling landscape has shifted dramatically in recent decades, with online betting contributing to increased issues. While traditional poker machine gambling has seen a decline, engagement in sports betting and wagering has risen, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which pushed more gamblers towards less regulated online platforms.
Support Services and Barriers to Help
Both Australia and New Zealand offer government-funded counseling services—available in-person and online—to support those struggling with gambling addiction. However, the report reveals that only 20 percent of individuals with gambling problems seek help, often due to barriers such as shame and a strong sense of self-reliance.
Effective Treatments
From a clinical perspective, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing are considered the most effective treatments for gambling disorder. Despite the promise shown by short-term interventions, there is a significant lack of long-term data on treatment outcomes, particularly in community-based settings where many individuals access care.
Self-help tools, including smartphone apps and online resources, offer new avenues for treatment, yet their long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. A major challenge in managing gambling disorder is maintaining treatment retention; longer treatment durations typically lead to better long-term outcomes.
Demographic Insights
In New Zealand, gambling issues are most prevalent among individuals aged 18-24, while the highest rates of help-seeking occur in the 25-44 age group. The progression of gambling disorder can vary, with some individuals alternating between regular and binge gambling or experiencing periods of remission. Relapse is a significant concern, with around 25 percent of individuals relapsing within the first year of recovery, and rates increasing to 30 percent by the second year and 40 percent by the third. Therefore, relapse prevention strategies and ongoing monitoring are critical for effective treatment.
Prevention and Harm-Reduction Approach
The review emphasizes the importance of focusing on prevention, as Australia and New Zealand shift towards a harm-reduction approach. This strategy recognizes that early intervention may be more effective than waiting for individuals to meet the clinical criteria for gambling disorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the researchers argue that gambling disorder is not merely an addiction but a complex public health issue that necessitates coordinated efforts among government, healthcare providers, and community organizations. Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires comprehensive strategies aimed at prevention, treatment, and support for affected individuals and their families.
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