Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Addictions and Mental Health (LLGAMH) team based out of Brockville is reporting a sharp rise in young men seeking support for gambling-related problems, reflecting an Ontario-wide trend highlighted in a recent study, which showed an alarming 300% increase in calls to the province’s mental health helpline.
The local Addictions and Mental Health team is drawing attention to the issue to emphasize that local, accessible services are available for individuals and families affected. LLGAMH psychotherapists Sara Hammel and Geoff Stephen say that gambling problems often develop gradually, moving from casual social betting, such as a yearly casino trip or betting on the Super Bowl, to behaviour that disrupts daily life. Experts Sara and Geoff say gambling “becomes problematic when it begins to negatively affect a person’s daily activities, their mental or physical health, their relationships with others and finances,” and many do not recognize the shift until the consequences become difficult to manage.
LLGAMH stresses that no referral is required to access help, and that anyone can self-refer through AccessMHA (www.accessmha.ca), the region’s coordinated intake system. The organization currently offers up to eight one-on-one counselling sessions per client, at no cost, with services available to individuals 12 years of age and older for addiction concerns and 16 years of age and older for mental health issues.
Sessions are offered in person at the Gananoque and Smiths Falls offices, as well as in Brockville and virtually, allowing clients to choose the location and format that best suit their needs. Support is also available for family members who are affected by a loved one’s gambling.
When asked what therapeutic approach Sara and Geoff find most effective for gambling addiction, the two therapists stated that they “tailor their therapeutic approach to an individual’s needs, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.” This individualized approach allows the therapists to address unique emotional, social and financial factors that contribute to the person’s gambling behaviour. Rebuilding trust with families is often part of the process and requires time, honesty and consistent communication.
Sara and Geoff say there are several early warning signs that gambling may be becoming harmful, including preoccupation with gambling, increasing bet sizes, a change in mood when trying to ‘cut back’, secrecy and using money intended for other purposes. Sadly, Sara and Geoff say, “People who gamble problematically often experience similar types of stigma associated with other mental health and addiction concerns. For example, they lack the willpower to control their behaviour,” a common misconception that can negatively impact the situation and the road to recovery.
The rise of online gambling in Ontario, with its legalization, has made gambling more accessible than ever, and Sara and Geoff say this shift has contributed to an increase in people seeking help. With gambling available on smartphones around the clock, more individuals are finding it difficult to control their behaviour. According to the professionals, clients in recovery often express the challenges they have when faced with the bombardment of advertising related to online casinos, sports betting apps, and the way in which gambling has become more normalized in recent years.
Thankfully, psychotherapists such as Sara and Geoff through LLGAMH, a local addictions and mental health agency, are available, providing support through individual psychotherapy, case management, psychoeducational groups and family programming. Community-based peer support is also available through Gamblers Anonymous meetings (www.gatoronto.ca for local in-person and virtual meetings), such as Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at 179 Elmsley St. North, Smiths Falls (Smiths Falls Addiction & Mental Health Services Bld.), and SMART Recovery meetings (www.smartrecovery-canada.ca for virtual meetings).
The team at LLGAMH emphasizes that recovery is possible and encourages anyone concerned about their own gambling or that of a loved one to reach out for support. www.llgamh.ca, 1-866-499-8445, Crisis Call or Text 988, Brockville Office – 25 Front Ave. W, Suite 1, Brockville, Ontario K6V 4J2 – (613) 341-2472.
