Identifying and Treating the Hidden Addiction of Problem Gambling

Abstract

The recent expansion of legalized gambling, particularly online sports wagering, has greatly increased access to gambling and the potential for developing gambling problems. Few clinicians or treatment facilities currently screen for problem gambling, and clients are reticent to present for treatment due to the stigma associated with being a “problem gambler.” It is, therefore, important for clinicians to gain a better understanding of this multifactorial disorder and its relationship to other comorbid conditions, to adopt effective measures to assess for gambling problems, and to understand how to effectively address gambling in the context of mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Keywords: problem gambling, comorbidity, treatment, intervention