GPs urged to help identify gambling addiction

Healthcare professionals in England should screen for problem gambling, similar to alcohol and smoking addiction, according to new guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).

The recommendations urge doctors to look for "gambling-related harms" affecting health, finances, and relationships.

A 2023 survey of 20,000 adults found that 2.5% had a gambling problem, with young men most at risk. NICE advises that discussing gambling in a trusted setting could help reduce stigma.

Mental health and social service workers are also encouraged to ask about gambling, particularly among patients with depression, anxiety, past addictions, self-harm, or suicidal thoughts.

Those with PTSD, personality disorders, or ADHD may also be at increased risk, as well as individuals affected by certain medications or difficult home environments.

Dr Claire Fuller, NHS England’s national clinical director for primary care, welcomed the guidance, stating: "Gambling can have a massive impact on people's lives and the lives of the people that care for them, and as healthcare professionals, we need the right tools to help tackle gambling-related harms."

Since 2019, NHS England has opened 15 gambling clinics, most launched last year. These clinics provide treatment for around 3,000 people annually, offering access to psychologists, psychiatrists, and support for affected family members.