Gambling problems among people receiving treatment for substance abuse

New research suggests about 14 per cent of people receiving treatment for substance abuse also experience problems with gambling.

Funded by the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation, the study by Dr Sean Cowlishaw of the Australian National University and Lancaster University, UK, analysed 25 different studies from around the world on people seeking treatment for substance use.

When Dr Cowlishaw included the number of at-risk gamblers who were seeking treatment for substance use in his analysis, the prevalence rate increased to 23 per cent.

Foundation chief executive Serge Sardo says the study provides valuable evidence around the complexity of problem gambling and its relationship to other problems.

“Results from this study support evidence that people with gambling problems will often experience other problems at the same time, known as comorbidities,” said Mr Sardo.

Comorbidities experienced by people with gambling problems can include depression and mental health issues, relationship and financial difficulties, alcohol and substance abuse.

However, Dr Cowlishaw suggests a cautious interpretation of the findings, indicating there may be a bias due to a lack of published studies on the subject, and no Australian studies to date.

“Studies with a lower prevalence rate of problem gambling are less likely to be published, possibly overstating the prevalence rates found in this study,” said Dr Cowlishaw.

As part of the study, Dr Cowlishaw also completed an analysis of the US National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, Wave One (2000-2002) and Wave Two (2004-2005).

Dr Cowlishaw says this analysis shows potential impacts of pathological gambling on the treatment of other comorbidities.

“People seeking treatment for substance abuse who had gambling problems were more likely to experience other issues over their lifetime such as major depression, personality disorders, as well as financial and interpersonal difficulties,” said Dr Cowlishaw.

Mr Sardo says the lack of locally relevant Australian studies represents an opportunity for the Foundation.

“The Foundation is commissioning a number of new investigations into the link between problem gambling and other health conditions,” said Mr Sardo.

“Our goal is to enhance clinical treatments for people with gambling problems and support the integration of problem gambling treatments into other health services,” said Mr Sardo.

Comorbid problem gambling in substance users seeking treatment was funded through Round Four of the Foundation’s Grants for Gambling Research Program, a program designed to support early career researchers and build capacity in the Australian gambling research sector.

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Download the report: Comorbid problem gambling in substance users seeking treatment

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