wfn.org | Adventists Commends Doctors to Aid Gambling Addicts

[George Conklin <gconklin@wfn.org>]

August 28, 1998
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

ADVENTIST CHURCH COMMENDS AUSTRALIAN DOCTORS FOR 
COMMITMENT TO AID GAMBLING ADDICTS
98/28/04

Sydney, Australia, (ANN/APD) Press reports that the Australian 
Medical Association (AMA) is to raise awareness and the 
referral needs of problem gamblers were commended by the 
Seventh-day Adventist Church this week.

According to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald on August 
19, the AMA is planning seminars to teach its 3,000 members how 
to spot and treat those suffering from symptoms associated with 
gambling problems. Symptoms can include hypertension, peptic 
ulcers, headaches, ulcers, alcohol and drug dependence, 
irritability, anxiety and depression, including suicide, 
according to the AMA.

"Since the opening of several large casinos in Australian 
cities, there has been a significant increase in the number of 
gambling addiction cases-people who obviously have no control 
of their gambling habit," responded Ray Coombe, Communication 
director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South 
Pacific. "The AMA is to be commended for recognising this 
growing problem and taking steps to address it in a 
professional way. While this addiction, like other addictions, 
needs to be treated from a medical and psychological 
perspective, we as Christians believe that it can only be 
conquered with help from a higher power, and that spiritual 
counselling can be a valuable assistance. Churches therefore 
need to be ready to respond and work together with medical 
practitioners in addressing this problem. The power of the 
gospel does offer hope for people, no matter what their 
addiction may be."

Coombe also cited a May 1998 statement made by the Adventist 
Church in the South Pacific region that addresses gambling from 
a Christian viewpoint.

"Gambling violates the Christian belief that all persons are 
stewards of all their assets (be they time, talent, knowledge 
or financial resources)," says the statement in part. "Gambling 
promotes a spirit of selfishness and a desire to have that 
which is not earned and which properly belongs to someone else. 
Gambling is a violation of God's command to love one's 
neighbour as oneself.  Implicit in the act of gambling is a 
loss for those who are not winners. Gambling brings about 
adverse social consequences to individuals, families and 
communities.  Poverty, suicide, drug dependency and alcoholism 
are often associated with it.  Gambling itself becomes an 
addiction for many.  Since Christians have a responsibility to 
safeguard the well-being of weaker fellow humans, gambling, 
even in moderation, is an abdication of that responsibility."

According to widespread reports, gambling and its associated 
problems are increasing in many countries. Adventists have 
always maintained a strong anti-gambling stance.