Gambling support and helplines
Support with gambling problems
Gambling can be a harmless activity for many people. For others, however, it can become a serious issue affecting both themselves and those around them.
Issues that stem from gambling can include debt, job loss, relationship breakdowns and mental and physical health problems.
It is important to get help for problem gambling as soon as possible, and there are number of resources available:
- Gamblers Anonymous Scotland provides support for families and friends of compulsive gamblers, call 0370 050 8881 (available 24 hours)
- GamCare provides information, advice, support and free counselling for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling, call 0808 8020 133 (7 days, 8am to midnight)
- BigDeal offers support to parents and youth facing professionals with information about gambling issues, call freephone 0808 8020 133 (7 days, 8am to midnight)
- NHS Live Well provides links to organisations and self help tools
- RCA Trust works in partnership with counsellors and therapists to support and rehabilitate individuals and those affected by problem gambling.
Drug and alcohol helplines
- Alcohol Focus Scotland is the national charity working to prevent and reduce alcohol harm
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs supports people affected by substance misuse of a loved one and facilitates a network of support groups, call 08080 10 10 11
- Scottish Drugs Forum is a national resource of expertise on drug issues.