#WellbeingWednesday: Gambling and addiction

Author: Jorja Brinums QRL content producer
Timestamp: Wed 10 Jun 2020, 09:17 AM

Welcome to another episode of Queensland Rugby League's #WellbeingWednesday series, providing handy tips and helpful advice to improve overall wellness.

Luke Archer, from QRL's wellbeing and education team, has been covering hot topics people may need some further guidance on. This week, it's all about gambling and addiction.

Archer said he was thrilled to chat to Brian, from Caloundra Gamblers Anonymous, after hearing him speak about his addictions in January at one of the Intrust Super Cup club wellbeing days.

"There has been many times in my life where I have looked for an ‘outside solution’ to an ‘internal problem’," Archer said.

"I could relate to what he was talking about when he addressed the group... nobody starts drinking, gambling or drugs for a bad time.

"A few months later the coronavirus hits and we were all in lockdown, and I knew this information had to get out to the broader community, as I know first-hand addiction can rear its ugly head at anytime."

Archer said research said Australians spent big on pokies - the equivalent of $600 for each adult in the country per year.

"We also have a horse race that stops the nation," Archer said. "So what happens when an entire country is forced to go cold turkey on one of its most intense addictions?"

Archer said Brian was "an incredible man with an incredible story" that could definitely help others struggling with addiction.