Characteristics of tobacco-smoking problem gamblers calling a gambling helpline.
Few studies have examined the smoking behaviors of problem gamblers. A high proportion of problem gamblers calling a gambling helpline reported daily tobacco smoking (43.1%). Problem gamblers reporting daily tobacco smoking more frequently acknowledged depression and suicidality secondary to gambling, gambling-related arrests, alcohol and drug use problems, mental health treatment, and problems with casino slot machine gambling. The findings substantiate the relationship in problem gamblers between tobacco smoking and psychiatric symptomatology, particularly other substance use problems. The high proportion of callers reporting daily tobacco smoking highlights the need for enhanced smoking cessation efforts in problem gamblers.
Potenza
Marc N
MN
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. marc.potenza@yale.edu
Steinberg
Marvin A
MA
McLaughlin
Susan D
SD
Wu
Ran
R
Rounsaville
Bruce J
BJ
Krishnan-Sarin
Suchitra
S
George
Tony P
TP
O'Malley
Stephanie S
SS
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling; D015277:Hotlines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D013406:Suicide, Attempted; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology*