Table 3 Qualitative data about harm minimisation items
Panel | Quote |
|---|---|
HGP | “I cannot agree with the harm minimisation as this just increases the chance of a blow out. The more you go the more you are kept in that trance and the more you need to go.” |
HGP | “I believe for someone with a gambling addiction/illness it is necessary to advise them that the goal is to not gamble again, seek healthcare, seek support, be honest, develop new activities etc. As GA (Gamblers Anonymous) says don't test or tempt oneself on anything.” |
HGP | “I think [this harm minimisation item] should be removed so first aider doesn’t think a CG (compulsive gambler) can become cured. I tricked both my partner and employer in thinking that I was recovered/cured and gambled for three more years and almost lost everything including my life.” |
HGP | “The person should be made aware that harm minimisation does not work and will lead to a blowout. Abstinence should be encouraged.” |
HGP | “This illness doesn’t allow for gambling periodically …at some times etc.....it is necessary I believe for those of us with addiction to stop entirely. Any false illusions we can gamble a little bit…with stipulations will ultimately lead to the same self destruction that brought us to our graveside chats with ourselves re suicide etc.” |
HGP | “[This item about a harm minimisation strategy] is a value statement not a fact. Based on the GA…medical model of abstinence. Public Health approaches -harm minimisation and learned behaviour models do not subscribe to this view. This statement should be reviewed and changed.” |
HGP | “All of these statements amount to the first aider accepting that the gamblers past actions are, to some degree, acceptable. Which can only result in further problems, in the future.” |
HGP | “‘Restricting gambling activities’ is broadly accepted as being possible, only by helpers who have not been helping long enough to have seen the return of clients who have ‘busted’, whilst believing that they could become ‘social gamblers’ again.” |
HGP | “All great suggestions to be followed by someone who isn’t a compulsive gambler.” |
Professional | “Harm-reduction suggestions are more appropriate in the early stages of a problem.” |