Professor Henrietta Bowden-Jones OBE, Behavioural Addictions Lead in the Faculty of Addictions at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, has said:
“Gambling disorders can have a devastating impact on people’s lives. Fifteen years since the opening of the first clinic, the NHS is finally able to address gambling harm in a fully independent way, without relying on a voluntary contribution from industry. This is an historical moment.
“Greater access to fully NHS funded and evidence-based mental health provision will improve national coverage and help to address postcode lottery issues. These services will offer treatment to affected others too, as we know harms associated with gambling are experienced by many more than just the gamblers themselves.”
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