New unit opens in Limerick as number of people with betting addictions rises

CUAN Mhuire has opened a new 20-bed residential treatment service for those suffering with a gambling addiction due to the rise in demand at its centre in Bruree.

The new service, funded by Gambling Awareness Trust, will rehabilitate people suffering from gambling addictions in a residential setting.

The launch was widely welcomed by political representatives, educators, and mental health and addiction specialists in attendance, who heard about the Cuan Mhuire treatment programme from Sr Agnes Fitzgerald, who has devoted much of her life to the rehabilitation of people.

She has been running Bruree House for over 40 years and leads a 40-person team.

Sr Agnes said gambling has increased through the years in men and women, mainly due to gambling online.

“Gambling is now dangerously accessible for people who are vulnerable to it, and has the highest suicide rates of any addiction. Because it is based on deceiving the people closest to you, it also damages relationships very significantly.

“The Cuan Mhuire programme is based on the philosophy of total abstinence and strives to restore the confidence, self-respect and sense of responsibility of all participants. The whole goal of Cuan Mhuire is to get people to see their own goodness and reclaim their self-worth again,” said Sr Agnes.

Research by Gambling Awareness Trust has found that there are an estimated 55,000 problem gamblers in Ireland with need for a wide range of support services and treatments.

Speaking at the launch event, Tom Hayes, chairman of the Gambling Awareness Trust board, said in 2023 the trust will distribute €1.7 million in funding and “putting it to work where it can make the most impact through 13 different addiction support services like Cuan Mhuire”.

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“We are getting people the help they need, where and when they need it. It is gratifying to see first hand how our funds have been deployed here by Cuan Mhuire, who are undoubtedly meeting the growing needs of their community with energy and empathy on the front lines,” said the former Minister of State for Agriculture.

A renowned motivational speaker and international lecturer in the field of cross-addiction and compulsive gambling also spoke at the launch – Michael Burke is an executive director of the Michigan Association on Problem Gambling, a published author and an engaging speaker with an astonishing life story.

He explained how he went from a high-profile legal background to losing nearly everything due to his gambling addiction.

Michael’s addiction eventually put him in prison, but now in recovery, he dedicates his life to educating and supporting individuals, families and professionals on problem gambling.

He was impressed by the supports available in Ireland for people experiencing gambling addiction.

Pam Bergin, CEO of Gambling Awareness Trust, said: “The Irish experience is not unique and international research tells us that for each of the estimated 55,000 people struggling with a 'gambling disorder', up to six other people are also impacted - these might be family members, friends or business associates. We refer to these people as 'affected others'.

“When we factor in affected others - we realise that a significant number of people are struggling with harmful gambling in our communities. Our goal is to meet that need, so that every person or family who wants help, can get it easily.”

CEO of Cuan Mhuire, Gerry McElroy welcomed guests and led a tour of the facility including the residential quarters, therapy rooms and a walk through the serene grounds and gardens.

He explained that residents are encouraged to participate in healthy activities such as gardening, woodworking and pottery-making during their treatment. Mr McElroy also commented on how vital it is to adequately fund gambling addiction treatment.

“As Ireland’s largest provider of addiction treatment services, we are at the forefront in the field of gambling addiction and related comorbidities. The support we have received from he Gambling Awareness Trust has enabled Cuan Mhuire to provide specialist residential treatment services, aftercare and family support to clients who are in dire situations because of problem gambling.

“These life-saving services now available in Bruree are vital, due to the absence of statutory support mechanisms in Ireland, but they would not be in place had it not been for the work of the trust,” said Mr McElroy.

The Gambling Awareness Trust is encouraging people who would like to access this or other gambling related support services to visit gamblingcare.ie or call the national helpline number: 1800 936 725.