In this section, affected others talk about the causes and consequences of the stigma and discrimination they experienced.
Affected others describe gambling as the hidden addiction, because the range and extent of harm are not visible.
Affected others highlight how the media and the gambling industry often portray gambling as a lifestyle choice.
They describe how they could not understand why gambling was not treated in government policy like other addictive, harmful activities, such as alcohol, smoking or drugs.
Affected others discuss feelings of fear, guilt, self-blame, shame and helplessness due to the stigma and discrimination associated with gambling harm.
Some people say that feelings of shame, stress, and concern about stigma prevented them from confiding in others about their struggles with another’s’ gambling. They describe feeling judged by others which can erode their social connections and support when they need it.
You can navigate through peoples’ experiences by using the toolbar or by clicking on the links above.
I think there needs to be a much bigger emphasis on everybody’s responsibilities because at the moment I think the only responsibility really is on the individual. When an individual has a problem, they aren’t able to take that responsibility, because by the time they realise they need to, often it’s too late.
At present there are more GA groups and there GamAnon groups, which baffles me because in our local cities there is at least one GA group per city, but there’s only one GamAnon group for the entire district.
He hasn’t got the support from his family, but I have, but then he doesn’t want me to talk to my family because he’s worried about how he’s being judged.
He can’t stop doing what he’s doing, but you’re staying with him. You get to feel quite embarrassed and definitely a lot of shame. Then a sense as well of wanting to protect him. You don’t want your friends and family to know that your partner has this big problem.