Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse: A Common Connection

Most people enjoy gambling without becoming addicted. However, some individuals can lose control of their gambling habits. Gambling involves a risk of losing something to win something of greater value.

A gambling addiction is also known as a compulsive gambling disorder. This pattern of unhealthy behavior can negatively impact one's personal life, job, finances, or relationships. One of the signs of gambling addiction is the urge to continue gambling despite the negative impact. This can lead some individuals to chase losses.

Individuals with gambling addiction might also struggle with drugs and alcohol. Compulsive gambling is also linked to co-occurring mental health conditions, which can cause substance abuse. It can be hard to recover from both disorders without professional help.

What are Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse

Gambling Addiction / Disorder

Gambling addiction is another name for compulsive gambling disorder. It manifests into an addiction when the individual has an uncontrollable urge to gamble despite the negative outcomes. Gambling is addictive because it releases dopamine in the brain, similar to drugs and alcohol.

This behavioral disorder can interfere with a person's daily life and responsibilities. It can be challenging to treat gambling addiction. However, some individuals have recovered under the guidance of professional help.

Warning signs of gambling addiction include the following:

Preoccupied with gambling
Winning back money lost (chasing losses)
Feeling angry or irritable when quitting or cutting back
Borrowing or stealing money to continue the habit
Feeling out of control with gambling and life choices
Gambling leads to serious consequences such as bankruptcy, legal problems, job loss, and suicidal thoughts or actions

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse occurs when an individual is addicted to alcohol, nicotine, tobacco, or drugs. It impacts them to the point where their daily activities are negatively affected. The individual will continue using the substance even if they're aware it's causing significant problems.

The repetitive use of the substance can alter how the brain functions. Individuals who struggle with substance abuse might also have distorted behavior and thinking. The changes in the brain cause the individual to have intense cravings and abnormal behaviors. Substance abuse can negatively impact decision-making and memory.

Symptoms of substance abuse include the following:

A strong desire or urge to use the substance
Failure to quit or cut down on substance use
Failure to complete daily tasks at work, home, or school
Continue use despite negative outcomes
Substance abuse in dangerous areas
Tolerance of intoxication or euphoric pleasure
Intense withdrawal symptoms

Is there a connection between Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse? How often do people have both?

Yes. There can be a connection between gambling addiction and substance abuse disorder. One study found that 28% to 50% of individuals with gambling addiction might struggle with drugs or alcohol. Gambling and substance abuse affect the brain in the same way. The dopamine levels play a role in triggering the brain's reward center. This can make it harder to resist gambling or engage in substances.

How common are co-occurring disorders in people with Gambling Addiction?

According to one study, 96% of people who suffer from gambling addiction could also have one co-occurring mental health condition. One individual might be diagnosed with five different disorders in their lifetime.

Gambling disorder can also coexist with behavioral disorders, such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Medications used to treat some of these disorders could cause impulsive behavior, which can contribute to compulsive gambling.

Can Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse be treated at the same time?

It's imperative to treat both gambling addiction and substance abuse disorders at the same time for effective recovery. Cognitive behavioral therapy and group therapy are often used to treat both conditions. This helps individuals to determine the root causes and learn new coping strategies. By addressing both conditions, mental health providers can offer effective recovery and relapse prevention.

What medications are used to treat Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse?

Common medications used to treat gambling addiction include antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, opioid receptor antagonists, and serotonin reuptake inhibitors. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, various medications are used to treat substance abuse disorders.

Most help aid with drug addiction and withdrawal. For example, buprenorphine, extended-release naltrexone, lofexidine, and methadone are commonly used for opioid addiction. Acamprosate, disulfiram, and naltrexone are used for alcohol abuse and withdrawal.

Treatment for Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse

Treatment for gambling addiction involves a combination of therapy, medication management, and self-help support groups. Gambling addiction can be difficult to treat since it's so complex.

Most individuals struggle to admit they have a problem. The beginning of treatment is acknowledging you have a gambling addiction.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) could be useful for gambling addiction. This allows the individual to uncover unhealthy thoughts and beliefs and replace them with healthy ones. Family therapy or couples counseling might also be beneficial.

Medications such as antidepressants and mood stabilizers might treat problems associated with gambling addiction. Some individuals might struggle with anxiety or depression. Medication might also be prescribed to treat substance abuse issues, which complement gambling addiction.

Self-help support groups offer encouragement and motivation for individuals who struggle with both problems. Gamblers Anonymous is one example of a support group that's based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous.

Treatment for both substance abuse and gambling addiction might occur at an inpatient program, an outpatient program, or a residential treatment program. The first course of treatment is withdrawal management, in which the individual is encouraged to stop taking the substance.

This is done under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who might prescribe medications to ease the withdrawal symptoms, which can be emotionally and physically taxing.

Birches Health offers virtual treatment for gambling addiction and co-occurring conditions. You'll work with a licensed clinician who's experienced and knowledgeable in your disorder.

In these weekly sessions, you'll uncover the root cause of your problem and develop new coping strategies. An added benefit of virtual treatment is that it works around your schedule and you can focus on recovery at home.

Here are some ways to get started with Birches Health:

You can also call us at 833-483-3838 or email us at hello@bircheshealth.com to connect with our Birches team as soon as possible.