Brazil expands telemedicine care for gambling addiction

Brazil's national health system, SUS, has significantly expanded its telemedicine services to help combat gambling addiction. The monthly capacity has surged from 600 to 100,000 consultations, effective from August 4. This initiative, launched in March, initially handled 600 calls per month but has since seen a dramatic increase due to high demand.

The service, accessible via the Meu SUS Digital app, is a collaboration between the Ministry of Health, Finance, and the Brazilian Agency for Support to SUS Management (AgSUS). It offers confidential, supportive care remotely, guiding users through the process and connecting them with the Psychosocial Care Network (RAPS).

According to the Ministry of Health, over 1 million people have requested self-exclusion from gambling websites and apps through the Centralized Self-Exclusion Platform. Of these, 35 percent cited a loss of control over their gambling behavior. The ministry warns of signs such as changes in sleep, eating habits, or mood; lying about gambling; feelings of shame and guilt; anxiety and irritability when not gambling; and using gambling to cope with stress.

Risk factors for gambling addiction include early exposure, easy access to online gambling, emotional relief, mental health disorders, impulsivity, social influences, loneliness, and social vulnerability. The expansion of telemedicine services is a response to the growing need for support in addressing this issue.