Free treatment for problem gambling

The University of Queensland is offering a free treatment program for people who have a problem with gambling.

The program is run by qualified psychologists and is being held at UQ`s St Lucia campus.

Program leader Professor Tian Oei of the University`s School of Psychology said some of the common indicators which could be used to identify problem gambling were:

* If a person has tried to cut back or stop gambling

* If a person has borrowed or stolen money to gamble or had other financial problems as a result of their gambling

* If gambling has caused problems with relationships, job or other important aspects of a person`s life

* If a person feels "high" when gambling, depressed after losing, anxious or irritable when unable to gamble, and

* If a person has felt guilty about their gambling or if they have been told they have a gambling problem.

According to supervising psychologist Dr Leanne Casey, treatment within the program involves attending weekly sessions for six weeks, where the focus is on teaching skills and strategies to help people take charge of their gambling.

"Participants will be asked to complete confidential questionnaires before, during and after treatment, to help us in ongoing assessment of our treatment program," she said.

Anyone interested in the treatment program or with any questions should telephone Andrea at the School of Psychology on: 3346 9417; email: gambling@psy.uq.edu.au

Media: For further information, contact: Professor Tian Oei (Ph. 3365 6449 or oei@psy.uq.edu.au), Dr. Leanne Casey (Ph. 3365 6421 or l.casey@psy.uq.edu.au) or Melissa Teh (Ph. 3365 6803 or teh@psy.uq.edu.au), or Brad Turner at UQ Communications (telephone 07 3365 2659).