| separator | |||||||||||||||||||||
A word from the editorGambling has been part of the Australian culture - and other cultures - since early civilization. It is receiving extensive media coverage now, due to the proliferation of opportunities to gamble and the increased popularity of gaming machines. In recent months the Australian print and electronic media have given extensive coverage of issues associated with problem and addictive gambling. These problems are not confined to Australia, they are global. Recently published in the Lancet online (May 19 2011) was a review of gambling disorders which identified the increased attention which pathological and problem gambling have received in the last three decades.
The widely-debated proposed Federal government legislation is aimed at providing opportunities to reduce the individual and social impact of excessive gambling. Media-reported polls indicate the majority of those polled are in favour of the proposed legislation. The advocates for change see many benefits including: increased productivity which may result from less time spent at gaming machines, the increased spending power of affected families with more money to spend on basic necessities, and a decrease in stress and its related health problems. Why is it so difficult to effect change? The gaming industry, an extremely powerful lobby group, is spending millions in advertising, outlining the losses to the industry and the loss of jobs which will result from the proposed changes. They do not address the cumulative losses that result from addictive gambling. Fear tactics have proved effective in forming public opinion, will they succeed this time? Rules and regulations will have only some impact on the 'why' of gambling addiction. Health professionals deal with these problems every day, working with people to help them take back some control of their lives. It is incumbent on all of us to support those who are taking a stand against the powerful gaming industry giants. Until change is effected, people’s lives will continue to be destroyed and support services will continue to be necessary for all those affected by the gamblers' behaviour. The articles in this edition of the TCA Newsletter address some of these issues. If you have any feedback on this newsletter, email us at reception@traumacentre.com.au (Mary Casey)  Gambling with your life.Many of us gamble at some stage during our lifetime. We may place an annual bet on the Melbourne Cup, participate in a footy tipping league or purchase weekly lotto tickets. Whilst these may all seem harmless enough, once the line from “a flutter” into an addiction has been crossed, it can be hard to recover.
Unfortunately, financial troubles are just the beginning. Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety are prevalent, as are physical concerns such as insomnia, headaches, ulcers, and back pain. The environment that encircles the gambler adds its own array of troubles. Often the consumption of alcohol and tobacco go hand in hand with the thrill of gambling. This then increases the risk of associated health concerns such as cancer, heart disease or diabetes. With such stresses, it is not surprising that gambling can also be devastating to relationships. Secrets and lies run rampant as the gambler tries to hide the truth about his/her addiction and monetary losses. Feelings of alienation become amplified as arguments, or episodes of domestic violence, occur with greater frequency and can eventually lead to family break ups. Gambling can affect every sphere of life - financial, social, work, psychological and physical. If you have concerns about your own gambling habits or those of someone you know contact Australian Gambling Support Services on 1800 858 858 or online at www.gamblinghelponline.org.au (Fay Thomson) Bright lights
Since the 1800s gambling in Australia has primarily been a way of bringing more excitement to sporting events. In recent years, however, gambling has become more easily accessible. In turn there has been an increase in the number of individuals who experience gambling addiction. In a 2009 study Xiang and Mowen built the profile of a slot machine player as seeking a high level of excitement and escape but being low in self esteem. They also found problem players were low in competitiveness and low in arousal needs but high in impulsiveness and materialism Gambling can often be perceived as an addiction primarily affecting men. However, research conducted by the Australian National University Centre for Gambling Research has discovered that in recent years men and women participate in gambling at similar rates. Several Australian studies have found that many of the causes behind women's gambling behaviour relate to the gambling environment itself. Making a date to go to the local pub to play the "pokies" and have some lunch with friends can often begin as an eventful social occasion before leading to an antisocial and addictive activity.
(Alyssa Sbisa & JG Estiot) We are all GamblersBefore being a personal issue, gambling is a cultural issue of which we must be aware. We gamble every single day without realising it and it is perhaps time to recognise that like it or not, we are all gamblers. Government policies are causing Australians to gamble unwittingly with their money. Do you have money in a superannuation fund? Do you invest in shares? Somewhere, somebody is moving your money like chips on a roulette table. Are they backing Alcoa on your behalf? Are they moving your money to Telstra, BHP or Rio Tinto? Just how much does the average punter know about what will affect his/her superannuation or other investments? When we hear financial commentary in the news which refers to "backing the right horse", we begin to understand more about how much a gambling attitude is driving our investments.
Real estate can also be considered a gambling activity. People buy properties based largely on a premise that they will get a high return on investment in the future. Mortgage stress is a sure sign that the gamble is not paying off and many home owners are just one interest rate rise away from foreclosure. Australians like a punt and media is increasingly endorsing the validity of gambling through win big game shows, commercial television advertising investment and gambling opportunities and more overtly, the saturation of sports constantly displaying betting advertisement in the background. Marketing is blurring the line between what is traditionally viewed as gambling and what is considered managing your money and life. And here we can see the parallel between traditional gambling, that quite often causes financial stress and damages relationships, and our everyday activities around finances that are producing the same phenomena. it's time to come to terms with the fact that gambling is an everyday activity that is ingrained in our society. In becoming more aware, it is now time to reflect on whether we have a choice and to make those choices in the knowledge that we are all gamblers. (Val Brown) TAPIG in NewcastleThe Australian Psychological Society Trauma and Psychology Interest Group are proud to present the inaugural event seminar and workshop "Who Cares for the Carers?" in Newcastle.
This will be an all day event including a presentation, workshops, networking and luncheon. This event will be held on Saturday 20th August at Harbourview on Queens Wharf starting at 9.15am for registrations and going through till 4pm. The day event will include discussions on how practitioners can care for themselves. We are very pleased to have Naomi Halpern presenting on this important issue. Naomi Halpern is Co-director of The Delphi Centre, which has achieved international recognition for its pioneering work developing education, conferences and resources for Australia's health care professionals working in the field of trauma and extreme stress. Naomi trained as a social worker in the UK in 1983. Prior to entering private practice she worked with homeless youth, children in State care and convicted offenders, in government and NGOs in the UK and Australia. Naomi specializes in therapy, case consultations and training in the areas of severe trauma, abuse and dissociative disorders. She has presented her work nationally and internationally.Naomi provides consultation to the United Nations related to the development of trauma training, psychosocial and well-being workshops. There will be an opportunity to engage in a discussion relating to the topic towards the end of the presentation. Title: "Who Cares for the Carers?" with Guest Speaker Naomi Halpern from The Delphi Centre. When: Friday August 19th and Saturday August 20th Where: Harbourview On Queens Wharf
150 Wharf Rd Please register online now as places are limited. Contact: Samantha Hyatt Cost (Inc GST):
The Seminar will include Presentation, Workshops, Luncheon and drinks.
The Total Package which includes the Welcome Dinner and the Seminar (Samantha Hyatt) |
|
||||||||||||||||||||
 |
Each problem gambler's activities affect, on average, five other people. The human suffering which ensues cannot be measured only in terms of money. What of the long-term effects? The breakdown of family relationships and the physical, emotional and psychological abuse of family members and/or others are well documented. There is a high incidence of related suicide. All these add to the extended need for grief and trauma counselling.
A recent study by Scoboria & Wilson (2011) found that gamblers could develop future “memories” of wins they would one day achieve. This encouraging belief was found to positively correlate with frequency of gambling. This can be identified in individuals who believe that gambling is the only way to win back the money they have already lost. In desperation, addicts may even resort to fraud or embezzlement comforted by the belief that they will be able to repay their debts once their big win has occurred.
Bright lights, flashing buttons and the noise of coins hitting the machine tray are highly familiar sights and sounds in a gambling environment. Australia-wide there are 12 casinos, approximately 200,000 gaming machines, with 600,000 people using the machines weekly. 95,000 of those people are considered to be “problem gamblers”.
Men have different reasons for gambling including competitive, risk-taking behaviour. For both men and women excitement and escape from daily life is what motivates the players. What makes pokies so addictive may be their capacity to deliver comfort to a particular demographic. The buzzing sounds of pokies may act as a substitute for deeper connections usually found in meaningful relationships. And in that sense, let's not underestimate the advantages slot machines may have over some middle-aged men. They don't talk back and they don't leave clothes on the bathroom floor. 
Gambling is not limited to the stock market or superannuation. When we start a small business, we borrow money to back an idea and rely on that good idea to pay off even if we have not done the necessary research. Yet, as many as 95% of small business still fail despite this fact being well known.
There will also be a Welcome Dinner, to be held at the Harbourview on Friday 19th August, the night before the Seminar. This dinner will include canapes, drinks and a three-course meal. There will also be entertainment on the theme of Trauma.
