by Melissa Kok
MORE problem gamblers sought medical treatment and help last
year compared to three years ago.
Fresh figures from the National Addictions Management Service
(Nams) showed that 17 per cent of patients seen in 2009 were
gambling addicts, compared to 5 per cent in 2007. Nams treats about
2,000 patients a year.
Gambling addiction cases are among the top three form of
addictions treated by Nams. Drug and alcohol addiction cases make
up about 80 per cent of Nams case workload.
Speaking at the official launch of the Nams clinic at Buangkok
Green Medical Park on Wednesday, Associate Professor Wong Kim Eng,
Clinical Director of Nams, said the rise in gambling addiction
cases is likely due to the increased awareness of Nams and its
treatment programmes.
Nams has been operating from its dedicated outpatient clinic
since June last year and provides services such as psychiatric
assessment, counselling, and support groups for patients and
families.