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How 2 Bolton Based Businesses are Tackling Addiction in the Aftermath of Lockdown
Two Bolton based businesses, Acquiesce and WHYSUP, recorded a podcast discussing addiction, and how they are tackling it following the coronavirus lockdown.
Acquiesce is a private rehabilitation centre, offering luxury accommodation and an urban recovery model that integrates recovery into everyday life. Tina, the senior practitioner at Acquiesce, oversees each individual’s entire journey.
WHYSUP was founded by Mark and Liam. They work to deliver presentations, workshops and keynotes to schools and businesses across the UK to educate and raise awareness of mental health and addiction.
Mark’s Story
Mark begins by explaining his battle with a gambling addiction that started with a bet when he was just sixteen. By 21 he realised he needed help and attended Gamblers Anonymous meetings.
“I remember going to a GA meeting, looking around and thinking ‘Well I’ve not lost my house, not lost my wife, not lost my family. I’m not as bad as these so I don’t need help.”
By 25 he had a girlfriend and a professional job. Everyone around him thought he had left his old life behind and was on the road to recovery. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case.
At 29, he was kidnapped and held hostage by a group with machetes who were demanding ransom from his mother. Luckily, the police tracked his phone and rescued him.
Mark finally hit rock bottom when his family turned their backs on him. Without his family, he felt that suicide was the only way out of his mess but knew the impact this would have on everyone around him, including his children.
With help from his mum, Mark went to rehab in Birmingham. He took part in the fourteen week programme but stayed there for another five and a half months.
In rehab, Mark wrote down all of his debts. He initially thought he owed a total of £100,000 but now says it was closer to £306,000.
“It’s like I’m talking about a different person now when I look back. Thankfully that’s where it turned around for me. Rehab saved my life.”
Liam’s Story
Around the age of 13, Liam started to experiment with alcohol and drugs like many teenagers at the time.
“There was no prevention or awareness, no knowledge of addiction. My decisions were based on ‘Am I going to get caught?’”
“By 15 I was taking Class A drugs several times a week. I thought drinking and drugs were a normal part of life. I also thought I was good at it because I could do it and still do what I was supposed to be doing.”
Liam got his GCSEs, enjoyed Thai boxing, got his A levels and had a long term girlfriend, all whilst taking drugs.
“I was living a double life. No one knew. From the outside I was seen as popular and successful, the things that you don’t associate with addiction. That’s why I never thought I had a problem.”
He also started struggling with his mental health, dealing with feelings of shame, guilt and paranoia. Liam finally acknowledged his problem after crashing four cars in one week and his family started to ask questions.
“From the minute rehab was mentioned I booked myself in. I pretty much destroyed everyone I loved because I had to tell them what had been going on. When I came out, I went back to normal life, the life where I’d taken drugs for 19 years.”
Following rehab, Liam continued to take drugs after he relapsed at a funeral. His wife became frustrated with the chaos and arranged for him to stay with Mark.
“It wasn’t easy but I was given a safe place. I was able to build a recovery in the real world, which is very important because you can’t just live in a bubble.”
Mark encouraged Liam to make weekly plans, give up his cash card and attend the gym in the same way that he did when he was in recovery at the halfway house.
“I didn’t need to change my location, I needed to change my mindset. People, places, routine, structure- I had to relearn it all to get where I am today. This is why we got in touch with Acquiesce. It integrates the real world into your recovery.
Acquiesce
Acquiesce provides a discreet, highly supported and safe environment within the community to recover in. Without being hidden from the real world, the urban recovery model allows individuals to gain all the tools and experience necessary whilst maintaining a carefully monitored level of responsibility over their own recovery.
This makes the transitional period from treatment a much smoother process, resulting in a more sustainable recovery journey.
WHYSUP
Mark and Liam started WHYSUP after discussing how their addictions started and the mental challenges they had faced. They wondered if anything would have changed had they been given a talk in school.
Three years later, their service is well established and works in three different sectors; education, business and sport.
They have spoken to over 30,000 people nationwide. Over the last 18 months, people with some form of experience have joined the team. Initially their key focus was addiction but they now focus more on mental health and wellbeing.
Support During Lockdown
The team were managing the number of calls well, especially once they hired a professional who helped with more severe cases. Unfortunately, when lockdown started, calls quadrupled and they could no longer meet the demand.
“We underestimated how many and how severely people were declining. They were threatening suicide and we had to drop off flowers at funerals of people who would likely still be here if it wasn’t for lockdown.”
Acquiesce also had an increase in calls, with people experiencing anxiety and fear from a loss of jobs and uncertainty about the future. Tina explained that the number of individuals at high risk from drinking has doubled according to Public Health England.
“We found that some clients have relapsed after being clean for many years and have had to come back into treatment.” Tina added.
When defining addiction from a professional point of view, Tina says they look at withdrawals, tolerance, loss of control, broken promises and consequences, but that in reality it’s a much wider perspective.
“I define addiction as a compulsive behaviour that is impossible to stop without professional help and support. As much as you try to convince yourself you can do it alone, I know from experience that you just can’t.” Added Mark
Liam’s definition of addiction has changed over time. He said, “Two and a half years ago, I’d have talked about drugs. For me now it’s more than a substance or behaviour, it centres around thinking and feeling.”
Tina explained that the Acquiesce programme is very much about positivity, positive self talk, self esteem, gaining confidence.
“When clients come in, their addiction has robbed their self esteem and we work to get it back.”
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health issues, please book a callback with Acquiesce at acquiesce.org.uk/contact or 01204 771940, or get in touch with WHYSUP at whysup.co.uk/contact
To listen to the whole podcast, please visit acquiesce.org.uk/how-2-bolton-based-businesses-are-tackling-addiction-in-the-aftermath-of-lockdown/
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Join the Danish Problem Gambling Committee’s Online Conference: A Critical Conversation on Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment
As a global hub for cutting-edge discussions and educational initiatives, we at HIPTHER and European Gaming are honored to support the upcoming Online Conference on Problem Gambling, hosted by the Danish Problem Gambling Committee. Scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (Danish time), this event promises to be a vital gathering of researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders addressing one of the most pressing challenges in the gambling industry.
Why You Should Attend
Problem gambling affects millions worldwide, influencing not just individual lives but also families and communities. This conference provides a unique opportunity to learn from leading international and Danish researchers about the latest advancements in problem gambling prevention, treatment methodologies, and regulatory strategies.
Highlights of the Program
The carefully curated program ensures a comprehensive look at the key issues and solutions surrounding problem gambling:
- Welcome and Opening Remarks
Marie Weinreich Petersen, from the Danish Problem Gambling Committee, will kick off the event, setting the stage for an insightful discussion. - Introduction by Anders Dorph, Director of the Danish Gambling Authority, highlighting the role of regulatory bodies in tackling gambling-related harm.
- Keynote Presentation by Jakob Johnsson, a clinical psychologist and PhD from the Karolinska Institutet. His presentation, “Preventing Gambling Problems – A Step-Wise Approach for Duty-of-Care,” will focus on creating structured frameworks to mitigate risks effectively.
- Flash Talk by Anna Westh Stenbro, a psychologist and PhD candidate at Aarhus University Hospital, exploring the comparative effectiveness of internet-based therapy versus traditional cognitive behavioral therapy in treating gambling disorders.
- Research Insights from Anne Mette Thorhauge, Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen. Her talk, “Gamblified Game Mechanisms in Danish Children and Young People’s Gaming,” dives into the impact of game mechanics that mimic gambling on youth behavior.
- Keynote Presentation by David C. Hodgins, a prominent researcher from the University of Calgary, on “How Much Is Too Much? Development and Impact of Lower Risk Gambling Guidelines.” This talk will address the critical question of establishing thresholds for safer gambling.
- Interactive Q&A and Final Remarks
Participants will have the chance to engage directly with speakers, followed by closing insights from Marie Weinreich Petersen.
Key Themes to Watch For
- The Role of Duty-of-Care in Gambling Prevention: Learn about structured approaches to reducing harm while fostering responsible gambling practices.
- Innovations in Therapy: Discover how online therapeutic interventions are transforming the treatment landscape for gambling disorders.
- Youth and Gambling-Like Gaming Mechanisms: Explore the overlap between gaming and gambling and its implications for younger demographics.
- Evidence-Based Guidelines: Gain a deeper understanding of how lower-risk gambling thresholds are developed and their real-world impact.
How to Participate
The conference will take place online, making it accessible to a global audience. To join, simply register via this link by Monday, January 6, 2025, 3:00 PM (Danish time). A link to access the virtual event will be shared with registrants closer to the date.
HIPTHER’s Commitment to Responsible Gaming
Our involvement in supporting this event underscores HIPTHER’s dedication to fostering responsible gaming and raising awareness about gambling-related harms. By backing initiatives like this, we aim to drive meaningful conversations and actionable outcomes within the industry.
Mark your calendars for January 15, 2025, and join us for a transformative discussion on combating problem gambling. Together, let’s pave the way for safer and more sustainable gaming environments worldwide.
The post Join the Danish Problem Gambling Committee’s Online Conference: A Critical Conversation on Problem Gambling Prevention and Treatment appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
How to stay ahead in the face of fierce competition? SOFTSWISS, a leading tech provider with over 15 years of experience in iGaming, shares fresh insights from a customer survey conducted by Kantar in November 2024.
With around 25% of the world’s population ever involved in iGaming, according to Global Gambling Statistics, the industry hosts thousands of projects and hundreds of software developers. To gain data-driven insights into the needs and expectations of iGaming operators, SOFTSWISS invited Kantar, the world’s leading analytics agency, to conduct a comprehensive customer survey.
Expertise Comes First
The survey revealed the top 5 most important characteristics for iGaming operators when choosing a technology supplier:
- High level of professionalism and expertise in the team
- Security of operations at all stages
- Supplier’s long-term and reliable reputation
- Flexible approach to collaboration terms
- Creation of new opportunities for business revenue growth
Notably, many of the characteristics highlighted by respondents in the Kantar survey align closely with those outlined in the recent iGaming Trends 2025 Report.
Fewer operators prioritise a strong client portfolio and responsible gambling initiatives, as these are not viewed as immediate business drivers and have a less direct impact on operator success. Furthermore, responsible gambling tools are mandatory under licensing requirements in many jurisdictions, making them a standard feature in the offerings of licensed providers.
Valentina Bagniya, Chief Marketing Officer at SOFTSWISS, comments: “Delivering exceptional products starts with a profound understanding of client needs and expectations. That’s why marketing research and customer surveys are integral to daily operations. By sharing valuable insights with our partners and competitors, we actively contribute to driving innovation and growth across the industry”.
Sources of iGaming Insights
According to respondents, the top 5 sources of information about the iGaming industry are:
- Recommendations from colleagues, partners
- Industry news resources
- Company websites that provide products and services
- Employees of partner companies
The importance of companies’ websites almost tripled compared to the previous year’s results. Similarly, the value of recommendations also increased significantly, climbing from fourth place to the top of the ranking.
“The trend of growing recommendations’ importance extends beyond the iGaming industry. In 2024, consumers are navigating an overwhelming media flow, where much information gets lost. While brands still communicate actively, capturing audiences has become harder. Personal connections are becoming more significant, offering a more direct and trusted way to reach consumers,” shares Kateryna Kaliuzhna, Senior Client Partner at Kantar.
The primer position of recommendations underscores the growing importance of partnerships and networks, highlighting the value of community-driven insights from trusted experts. This dominance also amplified the role of news resources and company websites, which serve as key channels for industry professionals to share their expertise. These shifts reflect a broader trend towards trust, transparency, and the demand for credible, easily accessible information in the rapidly evolving iGaming market.
About SOFTSWISS
SOFTSWISS is an international technology company with over 15 years of experience in developing innovative solutions for the iGaming industry. SOFTSWISS holds a number of gaming licences and provides comprehensive software for managing iGaming projects. The company’s product portfolio includes the Online Casino Platform, the Game Aggregator with over 23,500 casino games, the Affilka Affiliate Platform, the Sportsbook Software and the Jackpot Aggregator. In 2013, SOFTSWISS revolutionised the industry by introducing the world’s first Bitcoin-optimised online casino solution. The expert team, based in Malta, Poland, and Georgia, counts over 2,000 employees.
The post What Operators Expect From Tech Providers? Kantar Survey Insights for SOFTSWISS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
The global esports organization GIANTX has officially presented the roster for its League of Legends Superliga team, the most prestigious esports competition in Spain, organized by the LVP. The roster includes Feisty (midlaner) and Aetinoth (ADC), who continue for another year after establishing themselves as key players for the organization, and newcomers Badlulu (toplaner), Ferret (jungler), and Lospa (support).
The team, known as GIANTX Pride, will be led by Fearless, a veteran coach who has already won three Superliga titles with GIANTX. After previous stints with teams like Guasones and Rebels, Fearless returns to lead this young and promising roster as they pursue the organization’s long-awaited eighth Superliga trophy, with the season set to begin in January 2025.
The roster was revealed during an event at the Home of GIANTX in Málaga, attended by over 150 fans and supported by Opel, the team’s main partner in the Superliga. The event featured activities, giveaways, and a showmatch against Barça Esports, where fans got a first glimpse of the team in action.
Feisty (South Korea, 2003) and Aetinoth (Turkey, 2005) return for another year, having gained recognition as rising talents with potential for the LEC, Europe’s premier competition in which GIANTX also competes. Badlulu (France, 2002), with prior experience in the Superliga at CASE Esports, joins as the toplaner. Ferret (Turkey, 2001), a promising jungler from the Turkish scene, comes from FUT, while Lospa (South Korea, 2002), a former Iberian Cup champion, joins as support after training in Gen.G Academy.
GIANTX Pride is the most decorated organization in Superliga LVP history, with seven titles to its name. The last victory came in the summer of 2021, and the team is determined to add the elusive eighth trophy to its collection. The Superliga for 2025 will feature ten teams, including Barça Esports, Guasones, Los Heretics, LUA Gaming, Movistar KOI, Ramboot Club, UCAM Esports, VENI VIDI VICI, and ZETA, competing across three splits—winter, spring, and summer.
The LVP, part of Grupo Mediapro, has introduced changes to the Superliga’s format for 2025. The updated calendar will be released soon, setting the stage for another thrilling season.
The post GIANTX unveils its team for the Spanish Superliga of League of Legends appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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