Calabria implements specialized network to combat gambling addiction

The Calabria region has established a specialized network to address gambling addiction, known as ludopathy, through 14 accredited centers managed by third-sector organizations. These centers utilize multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, social workers, and psychiatric consultants, to provide residential, semi-residential, and outpatient assistance to individuals and their families.

In addition to these centers, addiction services (Ser. D.) operate across all five provincial health agencies in the region, working in synergy with therapeutic communities. The regional government allocates approximately 1.3 million euros annually to provincial health agencies to fund these projects, which include school prevention programs and specialized support services.

The Regional Observatory on Poverty has expressed support for these initiatives, highlighting the devastating socio-economic impact of gambling on families. The regional strategy follows a rehabilitation plan established by the Department of Health and Sanitary Services in 2019.