Unicamp Hospital Launches New Clinic for Electronic Betting Addiction
The Hospital de Clínicas da Unicamp (HC da Unicamp) in Campinas, Brazil, has established a new service dedicated to the treatment of individuals struggling with electronic betting addiction, also known as ludopathy. This initiative is part of the Psychoactive Substances Outpatient Clinic (Aspa) and was developed after healthcare teams observed significant debt among patients already seeking treatment for alcohol, tobacco, or illicit drug use. The free service commenced in April and operates every Wednesday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM in the Psychiatry outpatient clinic on the second floor of the HC da Unicamp. No appointment is necessary; individuals can simply present themselves at the reception desk. The clinic accepts both adults and adolescents.
Ludopatia is characterized by a loss of control over gambling behavior, including its initiation, frequency, intensity, and duration, with betting increasingly prioritized over other life activities. For adults over 18, the process begins with a psychiatric screening and evaluation to assess the severity of the condition, identify associated clinical issues, and establish a diagnosis. Psychiatrist Renata Azevedo, the clinic's coordinator, stated that this initial assessment helps determine the most effective treatment strategy for each patient. Following this, patients are directed to a cognitive-behavioral group therapy session led by a psychologist, designed to help them recognize thought patterns fueling their addiction. Adolescents receive individualized treatment due to developmental specificities.
Key aspects addressed in group therapy include challenging the cognitive distortion that a new bet will recover past losses, a common belief among those with gambling disorder. Psychologist Maurício Sant’ana noted that patients often experience denial and shame in admitting their addiction, which can be linked to anxiety, depression, and loneliness, with gambling offering a false sense of companionship. Psychiatrist Felipe Santaella highlighted that gambling often starts as occasional but escalates, leading to severe financial repercussions. He pointed out that São Paulo has the highest number of individuals engaging in betting and experiencing debt-related problems, with patients often owing money to banks, loan sharks, and family members, causing significant distress.
The establishment of a specialized clinic for electronic betting addiction at Unicamp addresses a growing public health concern, particularly in regions like São Paulo where gambling-related debt is prevalent. This initiative highlights the increasing recognition of ludopatia as a serious medical condition, distinct yet often co-occurring with other substance use disorders. The clinic's multi-stage approach, from initial psychiatric screening to group and individual therapy, reflects evidence-based practices in addiction treatment, focusing on cognitive distortions and behavioral patterns. As digital platforms make gambling more accessible, particularly via mobile devices, such services are crucial for mitigating individual financial ruin and societal costs. Future considerations may involve integrating digital literacy and harm reduction strategies within treatment protocols to equip individuals with resilience against the pervasive influence of online betting environments.
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