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LAKE MACQUARIE GAMBLING HELP & FINANCIAL COUNSELLING SERVICE Haydenbrook Rd Woodrising (PO Box 4006) WOODRISING NSW 2284 Telephone: (02) 4950 5108 Fax : (02) 4959 9299 Email: [email protected] www.woodrisingnc.org.au Dear Service Provider Can clients hide an addiction from you? Gambling addiction has been called The Secret Addiction. Although more prolific than intravenous drug use, the affects of problem gambling are not as visibly obvious as other addictions and it often goes unnoticed by health and welfare providers. Strongly linked to anxiety and depression, compulsive gambling is often an unseen element to many mental health issues. Answers to this predicament are not always easy. The screening question “Have you ever had an issue with your gambling?” has been proven to be a useful question for people with mood disorders and substance abuse. However, research has also shown that most problem gamblers do not disclose their compulsive gambling even when they are being assessed for the problem. If you suspect that gambling as an issue for any of your clients Lake Macquarie Gambling Counselling Service can help. Funded by the NSW Office of Liquor Gaming & Racing, our counsellors are qualified to offer specialized treatment to problem gamblers and their families. The service also offers education to health and community organizations on identifying and assisting problem gamblers. Screening questions and strategies are given to improve assessment in this area. Counselling is provided through a holistic, eclectic framework aimed to empower, support and challenge the client towards taking control of their situation. Judy and Sandra offer practical solutions such as Self-exclusion from gaming areas along with therapeutic interventions. The service operates between the hours of 8.30 and 4.00 Monday to Friday from Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre, Haydenbrook Road Woodrising (inside the Woodrising Shopping Centre car park) offering: Strategies to control or cease gambling Assistance with problems caused by gambling, including Financial, Family and Relationship Counselling Assistance with the contributing factors of compulsive gambling Referral to free legal representation for problem gambling matters. If you would like more information, or if you would like to make a referral to our service please call 4950 5108. Yours sincerely Judy Wiersma Counsellor/co-ordinator Funded by Office of Fair Trading & Responsible Gambling Fund ___________________________________________________________________________