Realising you have a problem is the first big step to getting help.
Seeking help is often the first step towards getting and staying well, but it can be hard to know how to start or where to turn to. It’s common to feel unsure, and to wonder whether you should try to handle things on your own. But it’s always ok to ask for help
Gambling can often have a really negative effect on personal finances
However, the harms caused by gambling can be more than just losing money.
-Do you bet more than you can afford to lose?
-Do you need to gamble with larger amounts of money to get the same feeling?
-Have you tried to win back money you have lost (chasing losses)?
-Have you borrowed money or sold anything to get money to gamble?
-Have you wondered whether you have a problem with gambling?
-Has your gambling caused you any health problems, including stress or anxiety?
-Have other people criticised your betting or told you that you had a problem with gambling (regardless of whether or not you thought it was true)?
-Has your gambling caused any financial problems for you or your household?
-Have you ever felt guilty about the way you gamble or what happens when you gamble?
Score 0 for each time you answer “never”
Score 1 for each time you answer “sometimes”
Score 2 for each time you answer “most of the time”
Score 3 for each time you answer “almost always”
If your total score is 8 or higher, you or those closest to you, are likely to be experiencing gambling-related harms. If your total score is between 1 and 7, gambling might still be having a negative impact on your life.
If you need treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to NHS care, in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem
With the right help and support, it is possible for you to get drug free and stay that way.
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Community Alcohol Partnerships (CAP) set up and support local partnerships that aim to reduce alcohol harm in children and young people, improve their health and well-being and enhance their communities.
CAP exists to reduce alcohol harm in local communities from drinking by young people under 25, with a particular emphasis on preventing underage drinking.
If any of these problems are affecting your mental health
You can find local services on our Mental Health page.
Below are some organisations who can help if you have problems with alcohol or drugs. They also offer support for friends and family of people with drug or alcohol problems.
Al – Anon offers support meetings across the UK for anyone whose life is affected, or has been affected, by someone else’s drinking. Also provides online support meetings, and a confidential helpline.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
If you’re having trouble finding the right sort of help, talk to Frank via the drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options.
Open Road provides drug and alcohol treatment services across Essex and Medway in Kent. We work on behalf of authorities and agencies including local, district and County councils, NHS Clinical Comissioning Groups, other charities, Community Safety Partnerships, the Police and crime reduction agencies.
Below are some organisations who can help if you have, or think you may have problems with gambling.
GamCare provides information, advice and support for problem gamblers and their families, through the National Gambling Helpline, online chats, forums and treatment programmes.
Gambler’s Anonymous provide group meetings, an online forum and information for people struggling with a gambling problem.
Has gaming become a problem for you or someone you know? The National Centre for Gaming Disorders offers assessment and therapeutic based treatment with CBT sessions focused on controlled levels of gaming and increasing other activities. It can also offer parents and family members educational workshops.
The National Gambling Clinic is a free, confidential NHS service supporting people who are experiencing harm from gambling aged 13-18 years from anywhere in England, and 18 or over in London and the South East.
Established in 2008, our clinic pioneered NHS gambling treatment in the UK.
Our work
Each year the Partnership prepares a Strategic Assessment of Crime to assist in revising the Annual Partnership Plan and the community safety priorities for the district.
Find out moreOur Partners
The CSP, part of One Colchester, consists of organisations that are well placed to make a valuable contribution to reducing crime and disorder across Colchester.
Find out moreContact us
The Colchester Community Safety Partnership team aim to respond to your enquiry within 5 working days.
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