Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Introduction
This guide is for people who work in the “helping professions,”
including addiction specialists, social and health care providers, workers
in the criminal justice system, the clergy and employee assistance
program counsellors.
Many people who come to you may be struggling with serious financial,
emotional, health and relationship problems related to problem gambling.
It is also likely that they will not tell you about these problems—
unless you ask.
This guide has been developed to:
• increase your knowledge of problem gambling, and your understanding
of its impact on those who gamble and their families
• give you the information and tools you need to identify and support
people with gambling problems
• give you strategies to explore concerns about gambling and to prompt
clients to take appropriate action
• increase your knowledge of community supports and services that are
available to people with gambling problems.
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