In coordination with the national Gambling Addiction Awareness Week, running from May 14th to May 20th, Tokyo is launching special consultation sessions designed for individuals struggling with gambling addiction and their families. This initiative highlights the importance of early intervention and appropriate treatment methods, which can significantly contribute to recovery. Residents in need are highly encouraged to take this opportunity and seek guidance.
Overview of Sessions
The consultations will take place at three venues across Tokyo.
1.
Shinjuku Venue:
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Dates: May 14th (Wednesday), 15th (Thursday)
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Location: Conference Tokyo, Shinjuku-ku, Nishi-Shinjuku 1-19-5.
2.
Hamamatsucho (Daimon) Venue:
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Dates: May 16th (Friday) – 18th (Sunday)
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Location: Vision Center Grande, Hamamatsucho, Minato-ku, Shiba Daimon 1-13-9.
3.
Hachioji Venue:
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Dates: May 19th (Monday), 20th (Tuesday)
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Location: Tokyo Tama Future Messe (Tokyo Metropolitan Tama Industrial Exchange Center), Hachioji-shi, Myojin-cho 3-19-2.
Consultation Times (each day):
- - 10:00 / 11:15 / 13:15 / 14:30 / 15:45
(Each consultation lasts approximately one hour.)
Target Audience
The sessions are aimed at individuals grappling with gambling addiction, those who suspect they might be facing this issue, as well as their family members. For space considerations, each consultation is limited to two attendants per group.
Consultation Focus
Qualified counselors with expertise from mental health welfare centers and private organizations will provide private consultations. These organizations include the Gambling Addiction Problem Awareness Association, the National Gambling Addiction Family Association, the Tokyo Grace Road Association, and the K-GAP Center supporting addiction activities. Some common consultation topics include:
- - Inability to stop gambling
- - Concerns about family members or partners potentially suffering from gambling addiction
How to Apply
Advance registration is mandatory. Interested parties can fill out the application form on the Welfare Bureau's homepage by the day before the consultation. The official page for the Gambling Addiction Special Consultation Sessions is available at:
Tokyo Welfare Bureau
Understanding Gambling Addiction
Gambling addiction is defined as a condition where an individual has entered a state of functioning disorder in daily or social life due to an obsession with gambling activities legally sanctioned (public competitions, pachinko parlors, and various gambling practices).
Importance of Gambling Addiction Awareness Week
Since 2019, the week from May 14th to May 20th has been designated as Gambling Addiction Awareness Week as a means to raise understanding and concern among the public about gambling addiction issues. This aligns with the fundamental objectives outlined in the Gambling Addiction Countermeasures Basic Law.
This initiative is part of Tokyo's ongoing efforts to promote the "Tokyo 2050 Strategy," aiming for a society where everyone can shine, regardless of ability or disability.
In conclusion, these consultation sessions are a crucial step towards offering help and spreading awareness about gambling-related issues within society. If you or someone you know is affected, joining any of these sessions could pave the way to recovery and a better understanding of the problem.