Problem Gambling and Substance Abuse

Often, problem gambling is accompanied by substance abuse. Research shows that about half of all compulsive gamblers have had problems with alcohol or other drugs. Conversely, it is estimated that 25-35 percent of all people with alcohol and drug problems have also had gambling problems.

 

Compulsive gambling shares many characteristics with substance abuse, including:

• Preoccupation with the activity
• Its use to escape pain or uncomfortable feelings
• Intense cravings
• Need to increase the amount (of money spent gambling) over time to achieve the desired effect
• Inability to stop despite negative consequences

 

Compulsive gambling differs from substance abuse in that:

• There is no substance ingested
• There are usually no visible signs

Hence, compulsive gambling has been called the "hidden addiction." Many addiction treatment professionals believe that compulsive gambling is extremely difficult to overcome because of the gambler's belief in the possibility - however slim - that the next bet can result in a big win.