Expanding Support for Gambling Addicts in Saxony-Anhalt: A Stepping Stone Towards Comprehensive Care
Expanded Assistance for Gambling Addiction Network Offered - Expanding support network for individuals battling gambling addiction
The landscape for gambling addiction support in Saxony-Anhalt is growing, though it still falls short of being fully-fledged. As of May 1, a state-level coordinating office for gambling addiction has been established, with four focal points in Magdeburg, Stendal, Dessau-Roßlau, and Halle.
"The coordinating office is a pivotal piece of the puzzle," remarks Helga Meeßen-Hühne, head of the state office for addiction issues. "Empowering education and prevention, exploring best practices in other federal states, and analyzing trends are among its key functions. However, the network is still bereft of a focal point for gambling addicts based in Halberstadt."
Countless individuals struggling with gambling addiction grapple with substantial financial burdens. In Dessau-Roßlau, a counseling center for pathological gambling has been operational since February 2021, garnering acceptance within the city and surrounding area, with 239 counseling sessions held. Individual care for affected individuals and their relatives forms the backbone of the service, with affected individuals also participating in an open support group. Financial troubles often plague those seeking help, with counseling sessions frequently centered around debt resolution.
At the regional center of Caritas in Stendal, the number of directly affected individuals nearly doubled to 42, and the number of relatives to 22 compared to the previous year. The emotional turmoil is often profound, with many having already self-imposed betting restrictions and sought debt counseling, notes Stefan Zowislo, spokesman for the Caritas association for the diocese of Magdeburg. The care provided is heartfelt, with some affected individuals seeking assistance weekly.
Gamblers seek help when their suffering reaches an all-time high. In Magdeburg's oldest gambling addiction counseling center, the number of clients served has plateaued, according to addiction counselor Daniel Krause. In 2024, 83 clients were counseled, totaling 379 counseling sessions, compared to 443 sessions in 2023. The number of individuals reaching out fluctuates, with peak times and tranquil phases being common, says Krause. This ebb and flow is partly due to the gravity of gamblers' suffering, which often extends to their families' financial ruin.
"Classic arcade players still exist, but they comprise a minor segment of those receiving help," Krause explains. Sports betting and online casinos, with their constant availability and multiple payment options, attract numerous players—these gambling addicts represent the majority of individuals seeking help.
Frequently, addicted gamblers engage in day trading with cryptocurrencies in an attempt to capitalize on quick profits. The same mechanisms as gambling persist, but blocking marks or limits prove futile, leaving individuals helpless in the face of such activities.
Problematic gambling can manifest in several ways, including increasingly higher stakes, withdrawal-like symptoms such as restlessness or irritability, the compulsion to recoup losses, mounting debt, and deceit towards loved ones or other trusted individuals.
The 2023 Glücksspielatlas Deutschland reports that approximately one in thirteen gamblers experiences harmful effects on their health, finances, or relationships due to their participation in slot games, sports betting, and other types of gambling. In many instances, these issues are severe enough to disintegrate families and shatter lives.
- Magdeburg
- Stendal
- Gambling Addiction
- Saxony-Anhalt
- Daniel Krause
- Dessau-Roßlau
- Stefan Zowislo
- Helga
- Halberstadt
- Financial Problems
- AWO
A Look Ahead: Strategies for Overcoming Online Gambling Addiction and Cryptocurrency Financial Struggles
The growing availability and accessibility of online gambling and cryptocurrency investments pose new challenges for individuals dealing with addiction and financial difficulties. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes education, regulation, and comprehensive support services.
Some strategies for addressing these issues include:
- Promoting Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the risks associated with online gambling and cryptocurrency investments through public campaigns and educational programs.
- Implementing Regulatory Measures: Establishing stricter regulations on online gambling platforms and cryptocurrency exchanges to safeguard consumers.
- Offering Counseling Services: Providing tailored counseling services to address the specific challenges of online gambling addiction and financial problems arising from cryptocurrency investments.
Future efforts could focus on:
- Collaborating with Technology Providers: Working with technology companies to develop tools that help monitor and control gambling behavior and protect individuals from financial losses.
- Integrating with Financial Services: Partnering with financial institutions to offer financial support for those experiencing difficulties due to these activities.
Tackling the challenges posed by online gambling and cryptocurrency investments necessitates a concerted effort from all parties involved, ensuring that comprehensive support services are accessible to those who need them most.
The community and employment policies should incorporate education and awareness programs about the risks associated with online gambling and cryptocurrency investments, aiming to raise public understanding of these issues.
In light of the growing accessibility of online gambling and the use of cryptocurrencies, it is crucial to bolster mental-health and health-and-wellness services for individuals struggling with gambling addiction, particularly in areas like Magdeburg, Stendal, and Halberstadt in Saxony-Anhalt. Science-based, evidence-informed strategies should be employed in these services.
