THE Ministry of Health launched this Wednesday (15) the Care Guide for People with Gambling-Related Problemsa document that guides the reception, monitoring and treatment of people affected by gambling in the Unified Health System (SUS). The initiative is part of a set of measures that treat gambling addiction as a public health problem in Brazil.
According to the ministry, between 2018 and 2025, SUS services related to pathological gambling and risky behavior linked to betting increased. Growth raises awareness about the impacts on mental health, family relationships and the financial lives of those who develop addiction.
The guide provides practical guidance for professionals in the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS) and highlights that care must be integrated, involving everything from Primary Care to Psychosocial Care Centers (CAPS), hospitals and emergency services, according to the severity of each case.
The document also points out that betting — especially in the digital environment — is associated with anxiety, depression, debt and social isolation. The recommendation is that treatment is based on qualified listening, care in freedom and harm reduction.
The launch of the guide is part of the department’s broader strategy, which includes the Line of Care for People with Problems Related to Gambling, the Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform and the Observatório Saúde Brasil de Apostas, developed in partnership with the Ministry of Finance.
The self-exclusion platform will allow the user to block access to betting sites and receive guidance on seeking assistance from the SUS. The observatory will use data to identify risk behaviors and support public policies for prevention, regulation and care.
Fonte: Gaming365 – Brasil
