Problem gambling a deadly threat to Australia's ADF military veterans & More News Here

ADF vets are virtually twice as seemingly than civilians to fall into drawback gambling, the analysis discovered, with greater than 13 per cent of veterans engaged in some sort of problematic gambling behavior inside 5 years of quitting the military.

Dr Olivia Metcalf, a co-author of the research, warned that “destructive (and) harmful” drawback gambling can shortly develop into a matter of life and dying for vets.

“We know that veteran populations are vulnerable to the development of mental health disorders, that’s not new, we’ve seen that.

“But gambling (by veterans) is basically under-studied.”

Despite being aware of the many challenges veterans face, Metcalf said researchers were nonetheless “stunned” by the high rate of problem gambling they uncovered.

PTSD, trauma, anxiety and depression were common in ex-ADF personnel struggling with gambling, the study found, as was being unemployed or on a disability support pension.

Those who served in the army and navy were more likely to have problematic gambling habits than ex-airforce, according to the research.

The study, published today in PLOS ONE, surveyed 3511 men and women in 2015 who had left the military in the past five years.

Metcalf said the “upheaval” and “huge stress” many servicemen and women experienced on transitioning out of the forces and into the alien world of civillian life left them especially at-risk.

“When you allow the military, you are forsaking your social connections, your identification, your occupation, a complete kind of cultural lifestyle,” she said.

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Vets may also be suffering from physical injuries or mental illnesses, she added, all ingredients in a “good storm” that can isolate and kill.

“If they’ve left the military and so they’re paid out their go away or entitlements they could even have a giant amount of cash,” Metcalf said.

“So they have a lot of time and so they do not have the construction or routine anymore.”

For some vets, Metcalf said, the gambling can be a form of “escapism” and “getting away from the stresses of life”.

Previous research has shown how some people with gambling habits often have disrupted arousal levels, Metcalf said.

“Sitting on the pokies might be a repetitive manner of bringing down that physiological stress,” she said.

“And then that may then lead to the event of extra psychological well being points.

“It can be a really vicious cycle.”

Veterans confronted “real barriers” looking for assist due to stigma related to psychological well being issues, the research mentioned.

An earlier Australian research discovered 28 per cent of veterans in therapy for PTSD reported behaviours representing possible drawback gambling.

Navy veterans are most in danger from suicide, with 33 per 100,000 taking their very own lives, in contrast to 31 for military vets and 21.7 ex-air drive personnel.

If you need assistance name the National Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.

Help can also be accessible for ADF personnel, previous and current, and their households at Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling on 1800 011 046.