SPECIAL EVENT - Q&A with Dr Jane Oakes on connection between alcohol and gambling

[BrittV (facilitator)]

This Q&A is now complete. You can jump directly to the answers here.


Do you have questions about the connection between alcohol and gambling? Take the opportunity to ask a specialist today, right here in the forums.

The relationship between alcohol use and gambling behaviours has long been documented and researched. It is also something that comes up here in the forums often. Some members feel that alcohol is a major trigger for them, while others are working to cut out or down on both their drinking and their gambling at the same time. While we mostly talk here about problems relating to gambling, we recognise that for many, it is not an isolated issue.

This month we’re lucky enough to have a special guest Dr Jane Oakes here to discuss the topic and answer your questions. Jane is the clinical lead at PsychMed and has extensive experience treating people experiencing gambling-related issues and addictions including drugs and alcohol. She has published articles and given invited presentations and workshops in this area both nationally and internationally.

This thread will be open until May 13th, for you to comment below any questions you may have for Jane on the topic of alcohol and gambling. After this, Jane will work on her answers and do her best to get us all informed!

You might be curious about how to identify a problem, what you can do about it, or how big the issue is for others. As always, all questions great or small are encouraged. You never know who might be wondering the same thing.


PsychMed provides a free and confidential program in South Australia for people experiencing gambling-related issues. This program has shown success in helping individuals struggling with gambling to regain control of their lives. If you or someone close to you is in need of some help we encourage you to call and speak to one of our friendly team members who will assist. Please call PsychMed on 08 8232 2424.

If you'd like to talk to someone about your alcohol use, contact the Australian Drug Information Service in your state.

[Peach1212]

Hi,
A few questions from the partner of a male gambler and binge drinker.
Could you discuss the biological association between alcohol and gambling?
How does alcohol hinder the road to gambling recovery? How hard is it to quite one without quitting the other?
How much of a cumulative risk does alcohol play when paired with problem gambling (mental health, relationships, extent of gambling, recovery)?
Given that increased distress is correlated to continued gambling, how can loved ones support a problem gambler who refuses to seek outside help?

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Fantastic big questions there @Peach1212, thanks for getting the ball rolling!

[liont]

What surprised me was how my husband could hide his alcohol and gambling addiction in plain sight of me. We have since separated and in hindsight I can see clearly all the signs. Why do you think, as a partner that I was blinded to this for so long?

It was difficult for me to come to terms with my blindness as I am one who values the truth and honesty. Do you think perhaps I tricked my mind into believing everything was okay?

[dragon007 (facilitator)]

hi @liont

Please don't be too hard on yourself, sometimes the hardest place to notice things are those things that are right in front of you.

We also want to see the best and give the closest people to us the most benefit of the doubt.

dragon007

[liont]

Thank you Dragon007,
I consider myself a more wiser person through all of this

[Dr Jane]

Hi everyone,

Thank you for your questions. I am looking forward to answering them all soon.

Kind regards
Dr Jane

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Jane I wonder if there is anything that you recommend for people looking to stop or cut down their gambling and their drinking at the same time?

[BrittV (facilitator)]

ACCEPTING ANONYMOUS QUESTIONS:

If you would like to ask a question but don't want to post it here, please feel free to send me a personal message with your question and I'll post it on your behalf!
Simply follow the 'contact' button beside my username!

Remember you'll need to be logged in to post a question or message me. Questions close Monday!

[BrittV (facilitator)]

Thank you to those who contributed these great questions! This is now closed, while @Dr Jane prepares her replies!