AUTHOR=Champion Hannah , Pritchard Amy , Dighton Glen , Dymond Simon TITLE=Gambling problems and help-seeking in serving United Kingdom military personnel: A qualitative study JOURNAL=Frontiers in Psychiatry VOLUME=13 YEAR=2022 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychiatry/articles/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003457 DOI=10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1003457 ISSN=1664-0640 ABSTRACT=Introduction

In military personnel are vulnerable to gambling problems, yet many are reluctant to seek help. The aim of the current study was to explore the lived experience of problem gambling and help-seeking among serving members of the United Kingdom Armed Forces.

Methods

Seventeen individuals from a larger, cross-sectional survey of gambling and wellbeing in the Royal Air Force (RAF) completed semi-structured interviews. Interview questions focused on personal experiences, the context of the RAF and its influence, knowledge and experiences of treatment and support services, and the impact of COVID-19.

Results

Reflexive thematic analysis revealed four themes: (1) harmful and protective occupational factors; (2) socio-cultural and personal influences; (3) organizational attitudes toward mental health and help-seeking, and (4) current support pathways and provision.

Discussion

Findings also indicated that gambling and alcohol use are common within the RAF, and that personnel are actively coping with mental health challenges.