| Abstract [eng] |
Gambling in Lithuania was legalized in 2001 and it is becoming increasingly popular. Nevertheless, gambling has also become a significant challenge to society. The main problem is the uncontrallable urge to gamble, which eventually develops into an addiction. Gambling addiction has negative consequences not only for the gambler but also for those around them. With the inclusion of this disorder in the International Classification of Diseases 35 years ago, gambling addiction has been treated with a variety of treatment methods. The aim of this work: to evaluate the effectiveness of the support system for gambling addicts in Lithuania. To achieve this objective, the aims are as follows: to analyze the concept of gambling and gambling addiction on the basis of scientific literature; to analyse the legal regulation of gambling in Lithuania in accordance with legal acts; to assess the extent, tendencies of gambling addiction and the portrait of the gambler in Lithuania; to analyze the Lithuanian support system for gambling addicts and their relatives. In order to accomplish the aim and to achieve the objectives the following research methods have been used: analysis of the secondary administrative data of the two institutions of Lithuania; a qualitative data study was conducted using semi-structured interviews, which were analyzed using the MAXQDA software. The obtained data were analyzed in accordance with the principles of Effective Addiction Treatment. The study revealed that people with a secondary or higher education, working or studying, and younger than retirement age predominate among people who are addicted to gambling. There has been a trend towards an increase in applications to deny access to gambling venues. These requests are made several times more often by men than by women. The vast majority of applicants to restrict gambling are young people. Based on the data of the conducted qualitative research, it became clear that the support system for gambling addicts in Lithuania is only partially effective. The study revealed a lack of strategies in the care system to contribute to keeping patients in the treatment process. It has also become clear that one of the most important principles of effective addiction – accessibility, is insufficient in Lithuania. |
