Addiction: gambling, drugs and alcohol

Addiction: Gambling, Drugs and Alcohol – Healthwatch Essex (April 2022)

About the report and who carried out the research

Addiction: Gambling, Drugs and Alcohol is a qualitative insight report produced by Healthwatch Essex and published in April 2022. Healthwatch Essex is an independent charity that gathers and represents the views of people using health and social care services across Essex, with the aim of influencing decision-makers and improving service experiences.

The research explored lived experiences of people affected by gambling, drug and alcohol addiction, including individuals in recovery and “affected others” such as family members. Evidence was gathered through interviews, case studies and engagement with addiction support organisations and online communities. The report reflects participants’ experiences at the time of engagement and identifies common themes and system-wide learning

Key findings

Addiction is closely linked to mental health and trauma
Across all three addiction types, participants described addiction as both a cause and consequence of poor mental health. Gambling, drugs and alcohol were frequently used as coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, trauma or low self-esteem, often escalating during periods of crisis.

Early exposure and normalisation increase risk
Many participants reported early exposure to addictive behaviours, particularly gambling and alcohol, often within family or social environments. This early normalisation reduced awareness of risk and delayed recognition of harm. Gambling harms were rarely discussed alongside drugs and alcohol in education settings.

Stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking help
Stigma was one of the most common barriers to accessing support. Participants reported shame, fear of judgement and concern about impacts on employment or family life. Gambling addiction was often perceived as a personal failing rather than a health condition, with women experiencing additional stigma and fear, particularly around parenting and safeguarding.

Access to support is inconsistent and unequal
Participants described long waiting times, limited free provision and a lack of parity between gambling services and drug or alcohol services. Gambling addiction support was often seen as harder to access and less well understood, despite similar levels of harm.

Primary care is under-utilised for gambling addiction
Many participants felt that GPs lacked awareness of gambling addiction pathways and that consultations focused on mental health symptoms rather than the underlying addiction. While people did not expect GPs to provide specialist treatment, they valued clear signposting and practical information.

Lived experience and peer support are highly valued
Support led by people with lived experience was consistently viewed as effective and reassuring. Peer support helped reduce isolation, build trust and challenge stigma. Gender-specific support was highlighted as particularly important for women.

Connection is central to recovery
Participants emphasised that isolation and loneliness increase the risk of relapse, while positive relationships and community connection play a critical role in recovery. Social support was described as just as important as clinical intervention.

Recommendations

The report makes a number of recommendations, including the need to:

• increase awareness and education about gambling harms alongside drugs and alcohol
• reduce stigma through public-facing language and communications that frame addiction as a health issue
• improve parity of access between gambling, drug and alcohol support services
• strengthen GP awareness, screening and signposting, particularly for gambling addiction
• expand peer-led, lived-experience and gender-specific support options
• improve partnership working between addiction services, mental health services and community organisations
• focus on early intervention and prevention, not just crisis-point support Addiction-Gambling-Drugs-Alcoho…

Conclusion

This report highlights that addiction in all its forms is complex, deeply connected to mental health, and shaped by social, emotional and systemic factors. People’s experiences show that recovery is not linear and that stigma, inconsistent access to services and limited awareness can delay or prevent people from seeking help.

The findings reinforce the importance of early intervention, compassionate responses, clear pathways to support and the meaningful involvement of people with lived experience. Improving connection, understanding and access to support has the potential to significantly improve outcomes for individuals, families and communities affected by addiction.