Gambling addicts will be prescribed drugs to help kick ruinous habit under new NHS plans | The Sun

GAMBLERS who want to kick the habit should be offered help from a GP and even medication, health chiefs say.

A first-ever official guide from the NHS watchdog, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, is a major step to treating betting addiction as a health issue.

Nice said family doctors should ask mental health patients, alcoholics and drug users if they have a gambling problem.

They can get software to block betting apps, cognitive behavioural therapy, or even an anti-addiction medicine called naltrexone to tackle it.

Naltrexone blocks cravings and is prescribed for people hooked on painkillers or alcohol.

It is the first time a drug has been officially recommended for gambling.

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An estimated 300,000 Brits are addicted to betting.

Professor Jonathan Benger, chief medical officer at Nice, said: “Harmful gambling causes immense misery to all those who experience it. 

“We want those needing help or who are at risk to be identified sooner and receive help.

“This advice will help NHS clinics develop their services.”

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Zoe Osmond, CEO of the charity GambleAware, said: “Gambling harms are a serious public health issue which can affect anyone.”

Gambling is classed as harmful if it causes financial trouble, mental health issues or rows with partners, friends and family.

Nearly four million people in the UK are affected by a loved one’s betting.

The NHS treats hundreds of patients at 12 specialist gambling clinics in England, with three more set to open after referrals surged by 65 per cent since 2021.

NHS mental health director, Claire Murdoch, said: “Gambling addiction is a cruel disease that destroys people’s lives.

“This new guidance will ensure the NHS can help even more people struggling with gambling addiction to receive evidenced based treatment.”

Nice will hold a consultation on its new advice until November 15.

GambleAware offers free, private help and advice via its website or 24/7 helpline on 0808 8020 133.

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