Online gambling is contributing to an invisible wave of addiction and mental health issues according to a local expert.
Justin Campbell is an Addiction Counsellor and Life Coach based in Athlone and Galway, who believes the ease of which people can gamble online has created a wave of issues.
The local counsellor says the boredom and loneliness of covid lockdowns saw many people turn online for entertainment.
Speaking to Let's Talk today, Justin says that many victims of the disease can successfully hide the addiction until the problem seems insurmountable.
He's urging those suffering to be honest with their families and loved ones:
"The one thing that addiction can’t live with is the truth and the honesty part.
First of all family members need to confront the person and be able to see if there is a problem, and if there is, can we get you help.
I think we have a tendency to walk around on eggs shells around people if they have an issue or a problem because we don’t know how to face it.
You have to grasp the nettle."
