Prevalence and health correlates of gambling problems in substance abuse counselors

Am J Addict. 2006 Mar-Apr;15(2):144-9. doi: 10.1080/10550490500528449.

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of disordered gambling in substance abuse counselors. Participants (N = 328) completed an anonymous self-report survey assessing lifetime disordered gambling, past two-month gambling behavior, and current mental and physical health. The lifetime prevalence rates of pathological and problem gambling in this sample (11.9% and 6.4%, respectively) were higher than rates reported in general population surveys. Poorer physical health was associated with pathological gambling, but mental health was not. These results suggest that substance abuse counselors may benefit from education, prevention, and intervention efforts for disordered gambling.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Connecticut
  • Counseling / statistics & numerical data*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / diagnosis
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Gambling / psychology*
  • Health Status*
  • Health Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Professional Impairment / psychology
  • Professional Impairment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Statistics as Topic
  • Substance-Related Disorders / psychology
  • Substance-Related Disorders / rehabilitation*