Gambling addiction (also known as problem gambling) is gambling behaviour which causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social or vocational.
The term “Problem Gambling” includes, but is not limited to, the condition known as “Pathological”, or “Compulsive” Gambling, a progressive addiction characterized by increasing preoccupation with gambling, a need to bet more money more frequently, restlessness or irritability when attempting to stop, “chasing” losses, and loss of control manifested by continuation of the gambling behaviour in spite of mounting, serious, negative consequences.
Our Problem Gambling Service provides a free service for Pacific individuals and their families living in Porirua who are experiencing gambling related harm issues.
Our services include:
- Raising Pacific community awareness about problem gambling harm
- Creating platforms in various settings in the communities where healthy discussions are encouraged to take place and solutions explored
- Face-to-face counselling support for Pacific individuals as well as affected family
- Budgeting advice
- Screening BRIEFS and comprehensive assessments of gambling harm
- Culturally appropriate language translators, including Samoan, Tongan, Tokelauan and Cook Island
We also provide follow up contacts with individuals as well as affected family. We work closely with our alcohol and other drug service and family violence team in order to further support and provide a high quality service to Pacific families and individuals.