Questions et réponses concernant le jeu compulsif et la dépendance

Addiction can take many forms. The most common addictions are substance abuse and repetitive, damaging behaviors. Substance abuse is a dependence on alcohol, narcotics, and/or prescription drugs. Problem gambling is a repetitive behavior which leads one to spending money on lottery tickets, video lottery terminals, slot machines, and other betting schemes. Dependences can result in serious health risks, legal and financial problems, as well as family disturbance.

You may have issues with gambling if: 

• You spend money your family or you are counting on to gamble or buy drugs and/or alcohol
• You break promises to spend time with loved ones, or harm them in other ways, so you can feed your gambling behavior
• You increase your drug or alcohol intake when your my losses increase
• You are unhappy because you can't stop your harmful behavior
• You cannot reach your goals

When should you seek help?

• You have tried, but can't change your ways
• You have been able to change your behavior, but still unhappy and something is missing
• You are wondering if you need help - now may be a good time to get it

What if I am contemplation about getting help?

If you are contemplating on reaching out for help, you can access a self-help handbook  that will suggest techniques and strategies to help you cut back or even help you quit gambling.

Gambling Information Line

Individuals who need information on gambling can call 1-800-461-1234 24/7 - It’s free and confidential. They will speak with a health professional who will propose options to help address issues related to gambling and/or may guide you to the appropriate community resources in your region.

Addiction Services

In New-Brunswick, Addiction and Mental Health services are provided by the Réseau de Santé Vitalité and Horizon Health Network.  There are eight Addiction Services  within the province with professionals that will guide individuals or loved ones impacted by gambling and/or substance use in their recovery journey.  Services available are detoxification, outpatient counselling and opioids agonist treatment.  The goal of these services is to help individuals stop, reduce or better manage substance use/problematic gambling, improve and better manage their mental health and have an improved quality of life.

Furthermore, Horizon Health Network and Réseau de Santé Vitalité each provide a live-in treatment service designed to help individuals with substance use issues and gambling related problems. They are located in Campbellton (Vitalité) and Saint John (Horizon).  These services are available to residents of all regions of New Brunswick.  They are designed for individuals over the age of 19 who are experiencing concurrent substance use/gambling and mental health issues and whose needs would be best addressed in a live in setting.   Services include group and individual therapy and focus on helping the individual develop relapse prevention and self-management skills.  Please contact your regional Addiction Services for more specific information on how to access these services.