The Recovery Support Network (RSN), a counselling agency specializing in pachinko addiction issues, reported on the status of telephone counselling in October in a bulletin issued by the group.
The total number of telephone consultations was 319, an increase of 25 from 294 in September.
Of the 319 consultations, 171 were first-time consultations. There were 150 consultations from the individuals themselves and 21 from family and friends of addicts. The breakdown in consultation routes from the individual (150) was 69 in a hall, 48 from the internet and 22 who were unknown or declined to say.
RSN is a certified non-profit organization specializing in pachinko addiction issues. It is operated through membership fees and donations from pachinko industry groups, hall companies and members of the group.
Posters with a free consultation hotline are posted and educational pamphlets are distributed in pachinko halls, and support activities are carried out for consultants.