Gambling addiction help on Tele-MANAS
Tele-MANAS, short for Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States, is run by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, with NIMHANS in Bengaluru as its nodal centre. It started on 10 October 2022. Calls go to the Tele-MANAS cell of the caller's state or union territory, and the service works in 20 Indian languages, with the caller choosing the language.
| Detail | Tele-MANAS |
|---|---|
| Numbers | 14416 or 1-800-891-4416 |
| Cost | Toll-free |
| Hours | Round the clock, every day of the year |
| Languages | 20 Indian languages |
| Run by | Ministry of Health and Family Welfare |
The government describes the service as psychosocial support and counselling.
Signs that gambling has become a problem
- spending more money or time than planned, and chasing losses to win them back;
- borrowing or selling things to keep gambling, or dipping into money meant for the household;
- hiding gambling from family, or lying about it;
- feeling restless or irritable when not gambling;
- gambling to escape stress, worry or a low mood.
One sign on its own may mean little; several together are a reason to talk to someone.
When someone close to you gambles
A family member can call Tele-MANAS too, to talk through what is happening and what to do next. It helps to speak calmly and at a quiet moment, and to keep a joint account or savings out of reach while the person gets help. It also helps not to pay off gambling debts in a way that lets the betting carry on.
Questions
Is Tele-MANAS free?
Yes. Both numbers are toll-free, and the line is open day and night.
Can I call in my own language?
Tele-MANAS answers in 20 Indian languages, and the caller picks the language at the start of the call.