And finally…Scottish addiction clinic opens crypto-currency rehab programmes

Castle Craig Hospital in West Linton says it has been inundated with inquiries about helping people addicted to trading in the modern currency and is treating it in the same way as gambling addiction.

The rise of Bitcoin has combined with advances in technology allowing anyone to trade online.

The West Linton facility already runs drug and alcohol addiction programmes, but said it now treats crypto-currency addiction by using techniques found in gambling addiction programmes.

The facility said there are no figures for the number of people addicted to crypto-currency trading, but there are around 13 million people across the world trading in the system.

Chris Burn, a gambling therapist at Castle Craig Hospital, said: “The high risk, fluctuating cryptocurrency market appeals to the problem gambler.

“It provides excitement and an escape from reality. Bitcoin, for example, has been heavily traded and huge gains and losses were made. It’s a classic bubble situation.”

Some treatments at the centre will be led by Tony Marini, a former gambling and cocaine addict.

He said introducing a life structure is key for addicts.

“Having been through it myself, my experience of addiction gives me insight and empathy towards others who have the same problem,” therapist Mr Marini said.

“I see cryptocurrency trading as a way for people to escape from themselves, into another world, because they don’t like the world they’re in.

“The first stage of treatment is to join other addicts in group therapy and share their life stories. This helps them identify with each other and realise that they’re not alone.”