Florence, 29 June 2024 – Preventing, treating and rehabilitating those suffering from drug addiction gamble and to counteract the phenomenon, when it becomes pathological. This is the objective of the Tuscan plan 2024-2026: made available, with a resolution proposed by the councilor for the right to health Simone Bezzini, almost 7 million and 891 thousand euros. Tuscany was one of the first regions in Italy to adopt a law on gambling addiction. In 2018 he launched the first plan to combat gambling, financed at the time with over 3 million and which aimed to contribute to the removal of social and cultural causes capable of promoting forms of gambling addiction.
“Tuscany is a region at the forefront in this sector – says the President of the Tuscany Region Eugenio Giani – With these resources we are therefore continuing with the intent of increasingly and better integrating it into the welfare system of which it represents an important part”.
“The first step to combat addictions is to recognize them”, comments the councilor for the right to health Simone Bezzini. “These resources will allow us to plan increasingly timely and widespread interventions across the territory. Part of the funding is assigned to the Local Health Authorities, for the Strengthening of services and of the network for taking care of patients, part will go to the District areas and to the health companies for prevention and to Ispro for the toll-free number, which will become a point of reference for all addictions.”
What is gambling?
Gambling games are all those games where money is invested, but the result, and eventual victory, depends on chance and not on the player’s ability: the slot machinefor example, lotteries, scratch cards, lotto, sports betting, caravans and other casino games. They may seem harmless, but the danger comes from the addiction they can cause at any age, leading to neglect of families, work commitments and social life. When life is a game, says the Tuscan communication campaign, it is life is at stake. And gambling becomes a problem when you spend more and more money and get into debt, when you think you can control your gambling without succeeding, when you become irritable if you don’t gamble or lie to family and friends.
Who to contact
If this is the situation, it is important to contact an expert by calling regional listening center for gambling or addiction services in the area. The regional toll-free number to contact is800-881515free and active throughout Tuscany from 9am to 2pm from Monday to Friday. You can also write to [email protected].
