The First Gambling Treatment Clinic in Leeds launched by NHS
Today, the National Health Service (NHS), a comprehensive public-health service provider in Britain opened its first clinic in Leeds to handle people suffering from gambling addiction. This June, NHS had announced that it would be launching its first such service to check the rising gambling addiction and here it is, the National Problem Gambling Clinic for children in London at service.
Supported by GamCare as a partner in this initiative, NHS aims to cater to nearly 10,000 people battling health issues arising from their addiction to gambling. GamCare is an established charitable organization dedicated to raising awareness of responsible gambling. Together, the organizations envision treating people with compulsive gambling issues in Leeds.
Various studies show that an increasing population in the UK has been facing health issues caused by gambling. One of the recent reports published by the Gambling Commission indicated a 400% rise in incidents reported in the past two years of children suffering from addictive gambling. Latest surveys reveal that around 4, 30,000 people are suffering compulsive behavior from their involvement in gambling activities and nearly 2 million are at risk of developing such syndrome.
Gambling addiction is a serious mental health issue yet people undergoing any treatment for their problem gambling behavior or de-addiction is limited to only 1% of the total addicted population. The gambling centre for treatment set up by NHS is a humble gesture to treat and control the current situation. This noble effort is being supported by the Leeds City Council, York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust (LYPFT) and GamCare.
National Health Services plans to further its gambling treatment initiatives in 14 other cities. With its Leeds and London launch, the services are expected to reach out to those fighting compulsive gambling behavior in Manchester and Sunderland.
