Abstract
A small body of research has shown that gambling problems are elevated among homeless populations and suggests the complexity of relationships between homelessness, gambling and a broad range of other social and addiction issues. This research explored patterns of gambling and coexisting issues at the level of the individuals’ experiences. We describe the experiences of 17 residents of a transitional housing service who had experienced gambling harm as people who gamble and/or affected others, using a descriptive qualitative approach. Four themes, each with subthemes, were identified in the data. Participants described their histories, strong links between methamphetamine use and gambling and the importance of connectedness and family to recovery. Gambling was seldom an issue raised by professional services or divulged by the participants, nor was it described as a key factor in becoming homeless. General self-help strategies (such as distraction) were adapted by participants in attempts to modify or control their gambling. The present results stress the need to destigmatise gambling problems (even relative to methamphetamine use) and to provide gambling information and support through a broad range of social and health services in a way that resonates both with those affected those providing professional support.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the participants for generously sharing their experiences with us. We also thank the management of Epsom Lodge, especially Aux Captain Julie Turner, for their support and invaluable expertise related to this research.
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Appendix 1. Indicative structure used to guide interviews with participants
Appendix 1. Indicative structure used to guide interviews with participants
For this research, we have an interest in exploring some of the issues that have impacted on residents of Epsom Lodge. We have a particular interest in gambling, but we understand that there are a range of issues that people are affected by, so we would like to discuss gambling in the context of other issues important to you. In volunteering for this research you have indicated that you or someone you know has been affected by gambling, and we would like to chat to you about your experiences.
We have a few questions we would like to ask, but we are interested in your experiences, so please do not hesitate to bring up anything you would like to add.
If you feel uncomfortable talking about any issues or you do not wish to answer a particular question, just let me know, and we will move on.
Before we begin, I would just like to let you know that while Epsom Lodge support this research, your participation or non-participation is confidential, and will not in any way affect the support you receive at Epsom Lodge, now or in the future.
For research purposes, I would like to record this interview on my digital voice recorder, and possibly make notes on occasions to assist me later, are you okay with this?
Indicative Structure
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1.
Can you please tell me a bit about yourself, how you got here to Epsom Lodge.
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2.
We understand that residents of Epsom Lodge have faced a range of difficulties, for you what are some of the key issues that have impacted on you?
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a.
Prompts if required–family problems, relationship problems, crime, alcohol, substance use, gambling, unemployment etc.
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b.
How have they affected you and contributed to your current situation?
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c.
What sort of things have been helpful in addressing these issues?
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3.
Can you tell me a bit about gambling, and the role it plays/has played in your/your family’s life?
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4.
Gambling can have both positive and negative impacts on people. We’d like to know about both…
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a.
For you and your family, what are the positive aspects/impacts of gambling?
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b.
Similarly, what have been some of the negative impacts?
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5.
Where does gambling fit for you and your family now?
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6.
How do you view gambling compared to some of the other issues you deal with?
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a.
Have you or they ever sought support for gambling issues?
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b.
Are you/they aware of services available?
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7.
We’re keen to understand your views and experiences of gambling, do you have any other stories or views of gambling that you’d like to share
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a.
Or any comment on related issues–we understand that gambling can often be linked to other behaviours that can cause problems.
Thank you for making the time to talk to me today and sharing your experiences with me, I am very grateful for this opportunity.
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Landon, J., Bellringer, M., du Preez, K.P. et al. “The Bad Things that Happened Are Kind of Good Things”: Exploring Gambling Among Residents of a Transitional Housing Service. Int J Ment Health Addiction 20, 2523–2541 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00530-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-021-00530-1