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An Overview of Help Seeking by Problem Gamblers and their Families Including Barriers to and Relevance of Services

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Abstract

Research demonstrates that gambling support services often do not meet the needs of people seeking help for their gambling problems. In particular, the needs of cultural groups, and gender-specific needs of men and women are neglected. Understanding differences in help seeking behaviour can assist in developing early interventions to address gambling related problems and in developing effective strategies. This paper reviews the literature on help seeking by problem gamblers and their families, including barriers to and relevance of services through a gender and cultural lens. Research findings from international and New Zealand studies are examined, highlighting ways in which gender and culturally appropriate strategies can be implemented. Ways of changing barriers and social policies are proposed which may improve the responsiveness of services. Ultimately it may encourage health care access and utilisation for people and their families seeking help for problem gambling.

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Acknowledgements

The research on which this paper is based was funded by a grant from the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH: 467589/303177/00).

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  1. School of Psychology, Massey University, Albany Campus, 229 State Highway 17 North Shore Library Building, Albany Village, Private Bag 102 904, North Shore, Auckland, 0793, New Zealand

    Dave Clarke

  2. Gambling Research Centre, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    Max Abbott, Ruth DeSouza & Maria Bellringer

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  1. Dave Clarke
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  2. Max Abbott
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  3. Ruth DeSouza
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  4. Maria Bellringer
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Correspondence to Dave Clarke.

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Clarke, D., Abbott, M., DeSouza, R. et al. An Overview of Help Seeking by Problem Gamblers and their Families Including Barriers to and Relevance of Services. Int J Ment Health Addiction 5, 292–306 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-007-9063-y

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