Rapid Responses to:
|
|
Rapid Responses: Rapid Responses published:
-
![[Read Rapid Response]](/icons/misc/sectionDOWN.gif)
Compulsive Gambling treatment--not free but paid by the tax-payer
- Makarand K Oak (23 January 2007)
-
Gambling and Smoking have many similarities
- Peter Miles (24 January 2007)
-
Dear Editor
- Abid Hussain (30 January 2007)
|
|
|||
|
Makarand K Oak, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist Wishaw Hospital 50 Netherton Street ML2 0DP
Send response to journal:
|
Editor, I like many others do not have a problem in treating compulsive gamblers in and on the NHS. I do nevertheless strongly object to the word 'free'. Somebody has to pay and that somebody is certainly not the government. No government owns any money. It is the tax-payers' money and the as such tax-payers pay for it. The title should read 'Compulsive gamblers must get tax-payer funded NHS treatment'. The BMA is a professional body and is not contesting an election and must move away from emotive political jargon. Mr MK Oak
Competing interests: None declared |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Peter Miles, Project Manager Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, N2T 1A8
Send response to journal:
|
There are many similarities that can be made between gambling and smoking, not least of which is how the social and health consequences of addiction get paid for. Pandora's box was opened many years ago in Canada when the government of the day legalized gambling to help pay for the Montreal Olympics, and then later to support minor sports and charities. Well intentioned, but possibly the worst alternative. It is ironic that many of the compulsive gamblers need to resort to charities such as food banks and hostels to get by. Eventually society will realize that, like smoking, the hidden consequences are substantially greater than originally envisioned. In fact, I don't recall much debate about the perils of gamblimg when the Olympic Lottery was started. But in the meantime the gambling industry has grown into something of a Juggernaut. Huge numbers of people earn their living either directly or indirectly from gambling, most legally (within the context of the government mandate that allows it) but many illegally (such as the vendors of lottery tickets in Ontario who were caught defrauding winners). This suggestion, to make sure treatment for compulsive gamblers is available at "no cost to them" (not "free" as suggested by another poster) is appropriate. Unless they get proper and affordable treatment they will continue on a downward spiral which may impact not only themselves but also their families. However, the funding for the treatment needs to be tied directly to the industry responsible. And if the cost of rehabilitating compulsive gamblers is greater than the profits of the industry can afford, then so be it. The industry will no longer be sustainable and therefoe no longer an attractive investment. Competing interests: None declared |
|||
|
|
|||
|
Abid Hussain, SHO Psychiatry Birmingham
Send response to journal:
|
Addiction is a chronic disorder proposed to be precipitated by a combination of genetic, biological/pharmacological and social factors. The nature of this type of addiction brings havoc to the individual in all spheres of life and for those around them. Understandably there are those who will feel they can weigh up the risks before indulging in taking risks beyond their capabilities. There will still remain a large population of people venerable to taking more risks in order to crawl back their losses. The gambling industry has no measures in place to prevent this group of people continuing to loose money, and thus diving into ever increasing debt. Those suffering from addiction whether it be chemical (alcohol or illicit drugs) or psychological have a low self regard and require the frequent “highs” this behaviour brings to plug and emotional gap. Like most addictive behaviours there is a long lapse before the individual will recognise they have a problem and seek advice. In the mean time a new generation has already been brought up witnessing and becoming accustomed to this behaviour. In the future the problem could easily spiral, leading to the need to have dedicated centres where problem gamblers can get advice on treatment. I suppose the bottom line remains. In a society were Gambling in becoming ever popular the government would be wise to take the advice of those in the business of treating addicts. The few seniors I have spoken to don’t see the advantages the government claims and have serious concerns of the danger this would bring to a people who may already be compounded with other addictions. Problem gamblers must receive treatment on the National Health Service, without discrimination, as those in the responsible position of governing them have allowed this activity. Competing interests: None declared |
|||