[spoiler title=’How do I know if I have a gambling problem?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
There are a number of factors which can point towards a gambling problem:
- Anxiousness and irritability when you can’t gamble
- Repeated attempts to stop gambling
- Gambling increasingly large amounts of money
- Lying to other people
- Important relationships break down or are put under strain
[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=‘Is it my fault that I have this problem?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
No, there are various factors which can lead to a person developing a gambling problem. These include:
- your environment (e.g. whether society accepts gambling),
- personal factors (e.g. how you cope with stressful situations) and
- factors related to gambling (e.g. accessibility and speed
- of gambling activities).
However, you can learn more about gambling and get help for a gambling problem.
[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Who is allowed to gamble?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]In Germany, only people over 18 years of age can gamble. This applies to fruit machines, scratch cards and sport betting, as well as lotteries and poker.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Is gambling addiction a medical condition?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]Yes, gambling addiction is recognised as a medical condition that requires treatment. This means that treatment costs are covered by health insurance providers or pension schemes.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Do I have to pay to get counselling?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]No, we provide you with counselling free of charge.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Will my details be passed on?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]No, our staff must maintain confidentiality. This means that they are not permitted to pass information about you on to anyone else. This includes family members. [/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Will getting counselling put my resident status at risk?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]No, getting our counselling does not affect your resident status. Your details are not passed on to the authorities.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Do you provide counselling in my language?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]
We can provide counselling in the following languages:
(in some cases we work with interpreters)
- German (Deutsch)
- English
- Turkish (Türkçe)
- Arabic (العربية)
- Russian (Русский)
- Polish (polski)
- Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt)
[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’I am nervous about my appointment – do other people get nervous too?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]Yes, it is totally normal to be nervous! Lots of people are nervous before their first appointment. For some people, it takes years for them to feel ready to talk about their gambling or feel comfortable telling someone that they have a gambling problem. We will work with you to establish what you need and work to find solutions.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’Where will the first session take place?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]The first appointment can take place at our office or, otherwise, at another facility where you feel comfortable.[/spoiler]
[spoiler title=’What can I do as a family member?’ style=’default’ collapse_link=’true’]It is important to have an honest conversation with the person you are concerned about. You can offer your support! For example, you could offer to accompany your relative to an appointment here. You can also get information and advice from us yourself.[/spoiler]