Primoconsumo opens its doors on 15/01/2014 to gamblers and their families. At the headquarters of the Association, in via Caracciolo, n.2, Rome, they will be able to meet within Self-Mutual-Help (AMA) groups in a reserved and protected context, in respect of privacy.
The project is carried out by the Primoconsumo Association following the experience gained with the "Game Over" listening center in the field of pathological gambling.
In 2013 the data on compulsive gambling are alarming as they show that the phenomenon is growing. The percentage of people aged between 41 and 50 and between 51 and 60 who turned to the counseling center is on the rise, compared to 2012. In fact, the former range goes from 12,7% to 15,4 .6,9%; the second band goes from 8,6% to XNUMX%. Many of these people called about problem gambling involving their children.
The Self-Mutual-Help groups do not provide for the presence or leadership of psychologists, since they are not therapy groups; instead there will be a facilitator.
The Self-Mutual-Help groups will be composed following the criterion of homogeneity, ie differentiating the groups of players from those of family members. The time and day of the meetings will be established by the participants themselves and agreed with the Association. Within the groups, the players or family members will be able to confront other people who live the same experience as them and undertake a common path to deal with the discomfort associated with gambling, sharing their emotions, with the aim of enhancing their skills and overcoming difficulties.
Participation in an AMA group is free and spontaneous, i.e. no medical prescription or referral from a health facility is required.
