Gambling behavior in adolescent substance abuse

Abstract

This study assessed the prevalence and correlates of gambling behavior (GB) in adolescent substance abusers (N = 97) consecutively admitted to an outpatient treatment program. Thirty‐four percent of the cohort had never gambled; 57% were classified as social/nonpathological gamblers; 8% were labeled as in transition gamblers; and only 1% met criteria for pathological gambling. A significant finding was that males are more likely to gamble and to have a higher severity score than do females. A younger age of GB onset is seen for girls than boys and is correlated with a history of suicide attempts, diagnosis of depression, number of symptoms of oppositional behavior, cluster B personality disorders, and a higher need for psychiatric treatment. None of the gambling youths was ever referred for GB counseling. Increased awareness for and additional studies of adolescent gambling are required.

Key words:

• adolescent gambling
• substance use disorders
• dual diagnosis

Notes

Alcohol Research Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut.

To whom correspondence should be addressed at Department of Psychiatry and Alcohol Research Center, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, Connecticut 06030–2103; e‐mail: [email protected].

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Yifrah Kaminer

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