In Spain, Problem Gambling Is Officially ‘Drug Addiction’

Sun, Oct 7, 2018

The government is launching a nationwide program to combat substance abuse that includes a reclassification of problem gambling as “drug addiction.” The change is intended to afford people whose gambling has become harmful greater access to help and resources.

Spain will classify problem gambling as “drug addiction without a substance” in a new national program sponsored by the National Health Ministry and the Directorate General for the Regulation of Gambling.

Based on a recent report on problem gambling produced by the American Psychiatric Association, the reclassification will be codified as part of a two-year mandate titled “Action Plan on Addictions”.

The program will provide advice to health professionals and other organizations dealing with addiction and related social problems, and the belief is that placing compulsive gambling under the same umbrella will give sufferers greater protection and support under Spanish law.

The Council of Ministers endorsed the change in 2017 and approved €1 billion to pay for the program, one-quarter of which will be funded with money confiscated from drug traffickers.

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