Running over three weeks, the program will cover topics such as financial management, dealing with emotions, resolving conflict and problem solving.
Self Help Addiction Resource Centre Gambling Program lead Angela Ireland said problem gamblers found it relatively easy to keep their habit a secret.
‘‘So many people are affected yet they remain silent and keep it secret for so long until the damage is so great that the rug is pulled out from under the family,’’ she said.
‘‘We call gambling the ‘big bad wolf’ of addiction because it can be kept secret, you can’t visually see it happening until it’s too late.’’
Ms Ireland said when family members do realise what’s happening they often don’t have the skills required to help and will repeatedly use strategies that have limited or no success.
She went on to say the program is designed to help people who are living with problem gambling learn helpful strategies to reduce the emotional and financial burden it causes.
‘‘Because it is kept secret and family members don’t seek help the situation grows and grows,’’ she said.
‘‘What we know is that if the family seek help at an early stage they can actually help reduce the length and severity of the problem.’’
According to data from the Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, Mitchell Shire residents spent $51429 a day on pokies, the 39th highest pokies expenditure in Victoria.
The Shire of Mitchell has a municipal limit of 299 poker machine; on June 30, 2018 there were 228 machines operating, 76 per cent of what is legally allowed in the shire.
The program will run on Wednesday, April 3, 10 and 17 at Netgain on Station St in Seymour from 1pm to 3pm.
For more information contact Angela at Self Help Addiction Resource Centre, phone (03) 95731706 or email: aireland@sharc.org.au
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