In the province of Lecce, a quiet crisis is unfolding as approximately 400 individuals are currently receiving treatment for pathological gambling. Even as addiction has long been a concern for public health officials, a troubling shift is emerging: the network of dependency is increasingly ensnaring the young, with a noticeable rise in cases among people in their twenties.
Medical professionals warn that these figures likely represent only the tip of the iceberg. Because gambling addiction is often a “hidden” pathology, those who enter the healthcare system are typically those in the most severe stages of the disorder. The actual number of residents struggling with compulsive betting—particularly through the anonymity of digital platforms—is almost certainly higher than the official count.
To address this gap in care, the Dipartimento Dipendenze Patologiche (Department of Pathological Addictions) of the Asl Lecce has launched “Get Away with Play,” a specialized telephone counseling service. Designed to provide immediate intervention during high-risk windows—such as evenings, nights, and holidays—the service became operational on April 16 to ensure that those fighting the urge to gamble are not left without support when traditional clinics are closed.
As a physician, I recognize this pattern as a classic behavioral addiction. Pathological gambling does not involve a chemical substance, but it triggers the same reward circuitry in the brain as narcotics or alcohol, creating a powerful cycle of dopamine releases and subsequent crashes that can devastate a person’s financial stability and mental health.
The Invisible Surge of Behavioral Addiction
Pathological gambling is clinically recognized as a behavioral addiction, sharing neurological characteristics with substance abuse. In Italy, the scale of the problem is significant. According to estimates from the Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS), between 1% and 3% of the adult population is considered at high risk, while a much larger segment of the population exhibits problematic behaviors or inherent vulnerabilities.
The economic data underscores the gravity of the situation. The Agenzia delle Dogane e dei Monopoli (ADM) reports that the total volume of bets in Italy consistently exceeds 130 billion euros annually. This growth is driven largely by the explosion of online gambling, which removes the physical and social barriers to betting, allowing users to gamble in isolation at any hour of the day.
For young adults in their twenties, the accessibility of smartphone apps and the gamification of betting have created a perfect storm. The transition from recreational play to a clinical disorder can happen rapidly, often coinciding with periods of economic instability or social isolation.
Closing the Gap in Continuity of Care
The primary challenge in treating gambling addiction is the risk of relapse, which often peaks during moments of loneliness or stress—times when medical offices are typically closed. The “Get Away with Play” initiative is specifically designed to provide a safety net during these critical hours.
Mariangela Pascali, Director of the Dipartimento Dipendenze Patologiche at Asl Lecce, emphasizes that this service is about more than just a phone call; This proves about maintaining a therapeutic bond. “The activation of telephone counseling represents an important step in strengthening the care of people with gambling disorder,” Pascali stated. “Offering qualified support even during the closing hours of services means being present in the most delicate moments, when the risk of relapse is highest.”
Stefano Rossi, the Extraordinary Commissioner of Asl Lecce, views the project as part of a broader systemic upgrade. “With this project, Asl Lecce consolidates its commitment to combating pathological gambling, investing in innovative and accessible tools,” Rossi said. He noted that the service is a concrete response to the need for the healthcare system to handle addictions that are becoming increasingly widespread.
Accessing the “Linea fuori dal gioco”
The project is implemented under the regional plan to combat pathological gambling and is managed by the social cooperative L’Arcobaleno. The service, titled “Linea fuori dal gioco. Un numero contro l’azzardo,” is accessible via the phone number 345 0775048.
While the service prioritizes users already enrolled in the Department’s treatment programs, it is open to family members and individuals who recognize they are in the early stages of risk. Qualified operators—including psychologists, educators, and social workers—provide active listening, impulse management strategies, and guidance toward structured clinical care. The service also utilizes messaging tools to provide immediate communication during acute moments of difficulty.
| Days of the Week | Hours of Operation |
|---|---|
| Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday | 14:00 – 24:00 |
| Tuesday | 18:00 – 24:00 |
| Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays | 08:00 – 24:00 |
By integrating professional psychological support with flexible access, the program aims to lower the barrier to entry for those who are hesitant to seek formal psychiatric aid but are desperate for a way out of the cycle of debt and dependency.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, please contact a licensed healthcare provider or a certified addiction specialist.
The Asl Lecce will continue to monitor the impact of the “Get Away with Play” service as part of its ongoing regional strategy. The next phase of the initiative will involve evaluating the number of new patients referred to structured treatment through the telephone line to determine if additional permanent staffing is required for the Department of Pathological Addictions.
Do you have experience with these services or thoughts on how to better protect young adults from digital gambling? Share your comments below or share this article with someone who may need these resources.
