The aim of this study was to determine how referrals for gambling disorder treatment are managed in the Irish Healthcare System and what services are available. The researchers sent out requests for information to Community Healthcare Organizations (CHOs), Regional and Local Drug Task Forces, and primary care services. Four CHOs that responded to the email request offered some service for gambling disorder as part of their Community Mental Health Team. CHOs that did not offer any service might refer patients to other services, such as addiction services, residential programmes or self-help groups. Four Drug Task Forces that responded to the email request offered some service for gambling disorder. Most of these Drug Task Forces also forwarded referrals to a residential programme or self-help group. Primary care services did not provide any service for gambling disorder. Most of the CHOs and Drug Task Forces offered gambling disorder service to adults only. These results suggest a need for a consistent referral pathway and treatment service for gambling disorder in Ireland.
