Prevalence of comorbid pathological gambling in substance use disorders

Abstract

Introduction

Since gambling opportunities expanded over the last four decades, gambling, including pathological and problem gambling, has received increased attention from clinicians and researchers worldwide.

Objectives

Prevalence of gambling disorders varies according to the screening instruments, measurement used as well as accessibility of gambling opportunities but it is believed that gambling disorders affect 0.2–5.3% of adults worldwide. In addition, considering that the gambling disorders are highly comorbid with other substance use and mental health disorders, for both the causes and treatment implications of this disorder a further understanding is needed.

Methods

This research has been conducted at the Addiction and Psychotrauma Department of the Insula County Hospital over a period of two months on a sample of 150 people using a questionnaire that was distributed to patients whose primary diagnosis was substance use disorder but did not have a diagnosed gambling addiction with the aim of early detection of it.

Results

Substance abuse may include minimizing one’s use, hiding other comorbid addictions including gambling, and an underestimation of the effect one’s use has on life areas as well as family members.

Conclusions

This article highlights the prevalence of comorbid unrecognised pathological gambling in substance use disorders, but also reviews definition, clinical similarities and differences and treatment approaches.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared