Why Gambling Addiction Care Belongs At Your Practice
Compulsive gambling is as often overlooked as it is underserved by the medical establishment. But with the financial, social, and mental toll it takes on individuals and families, why is it swept under the rug?
Why is problem gambling an issue?
When gambling gets out of hand, it can get as dark and dangerous as any other addiction. Problem gamblers are six times more likely to attempt suicide and 15 times more likely to successfully complete it. It’s also rarely an isolated addiction, existing alongside alcoholism, tobacco, and drug abuse to create a more devastating spiral.
While doctors routinely see patients about narcotics or alcoholism, the gambling aspect is frequently left under wraps. Eliminating the taboo around other addictions has made progress, but compulsive gambling is still wrongly seen as an embarrassment or lack of self-control.
Who does it affect?
Problem gambling tends to affect men more than women. In 2021, 78% of the National Council on Problem Gambling’s self-referrals were men. These numbers also increase in adults from a Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) background with 7% meeting the criteria for compulsive gambling. Research shows that both of these groups face greater barriers to mental health treatment and are less likely to seek help.
College students are also an emerging group with high numbers of gambling addiction. Up to 75% gamble regularly and since the legalization of online sports betting, instances of students betting on sporting events has shot up by 80%. A full one in 20 college students already meet the criteria for compulsive gambling, yet less than a quarter of all universities have so much as a formal gambling policy, let alone treatment plans.
Including treatment at your practice:
Though it may still seem like a niche issue, compulsive gambling’s ability to hide amongst other disorders (and its inherent taboo) mean it's more prevalent than people think. If you’re considering problem gambling services at your clinic or practice, contact us at info@arpgcouncil.org or call (501) 403-2321. We’ll be there to assist you with professional training, resources, and more to get you started.
Sources:
https://wchh.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/tre.826
