Outreach efforts to families of gambling addicts stepped up

Outreach efforts to families of gambling addicts stepped up
By Sara Grosse Posted: 08 April 2012

SINGAPORE: The National Addictions Management Service (NAMS) launched a new outreach programme on Sunday, stepping up efforts to reach out to families of gambling addicts.

The "Families in Recovery through Education and Empowerment" (FREE) programme is targeted at family members of gamblers who have yet to seek treatment.

NAMS started the programme to provide further support to its helpline callers who felt distressed because they had family members who were gambling.

FREE consists of a two-hour session attended by an average of six participants, who are encouraged to ask questions and are given advice on how to help a relative who may have an addiction.

Topics discussed include signs and symptoms of gambling addiction and treatment services available.

NAMS psychologist Lawrence Tan said, "Initially of course they would be a little apprehensive, not willing to share.

"But as soon as one person opens up, although the problems are not identical, it's easy for them to identify with the issues. Sooner or later, it's very natural that the group within itself, the group starts giving each other support."

During the pilot period from May 2010 to January 2012, some family members used the skills they learnt in the FREE programme to persuade their relatives to come in for treatment, Mr Tan said.

NAMS also released an online self-guided intervention workbook, which includes tips on how to stay away from temptation, to help problem gamblers who are reluctant to seek treatment.

The workbook is divided into five chapters and guides gambling addicts to look for what triggers their desire to gamble, as well as examine their distorted beliefs.

The workbook is not a substitute for professional counselling, NAMS said, but is intended as a first step towards raising the gambler's awareness of his own behaviour.

- CNA/wm