Gambling addiction: New therapy offer in Hanover starts in 2024!

Gambling addiction: New therapy offer in Hanover starts in 2024!

The issue of gambling addiction is becoming increasingly important. As the Hannover Medical School (MHH) Reportedly, a significant proportion of the population suffers from this disease. In fact, 7.7 percent of gamblers are affected by a gambling disorder, indicating a growing problem. Young men between the ages of 20 and 30 have particularly high risk factors.

In response to this worrying development, the MHH has initiated a new treatment offer, which has been in place since January 2024. It includes outpatient therapy designed specifically for adults. This form of therapy is linked to the current social reality, as many addictions are gradual and can often lead to significant life crises that destroy families and result in financial ruin.

New study is looking for participants

A central element of the MHH initiatives is the study entitled “Bet, you don’t play anymore”. This study is aimed at people who exhibit risky gambling behavior or who have already been diagnosed as pathological gambling. Participants undergo group therapy, which consists of eight sessions of 100 minutes each.

Before and after therapy, comprehensive psychological tests, blood samples and saliva samples are carried out to analyze stress hormones. This comprehensive data is intended to help gain a better understanding of participants' behavior and the associated psychological aspects. Participation in the study is closely linked to the therapy offer, and an expense allowance of 50 euros is offered to participants.

Therapy and support

The outpatient therapy is carried out by the MHH's Clinic for Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy and offers low barriers to access for those affected. Although there are self-help groups, the offer of professional help, especially for adults, is rare. As part of the therapy, metacognitive training modules are used to identify thinking distortions and counteract them with self-control techniques.

Another interesting development is the amendment to the State Treaty on Gambling in 2021, which legalized the offer of online poker and online casinos. This expansion of gambling offerings correlates with an increase in addiction cases, highlighting the urgency of such initiatives. Loud healthy.bund.de There are numerous counseling and information services nationwide that can help those affected deal with their addiction.

Various hotline services are available to help you find information, including a free and anonymous helpline run by the Federal Center for Health Education. Those affected can get advice by calling 0800 – 137 27 00, Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. These and other contact points are essential resources for counteracting the growing gambling addiction and providing support.