The relationship between recreational gambling and substance abuse/dependence: data from a nationally representative sample.
BACKGROUND
Although recreational gambling is prevalent and co-occurs with substance abuse/dependence, few studies have investigated the relationship between the two.


METHODS
Logistic regression analyses were performed on data from a nationally representative sample from the Gambling Impact and Behavior Study.


RESULTS
Substance-abusing recreational gamblers, as compared to non-substance-abusing ones, differed in gambling motivations, began gambling at earlier ages, reported heavier gambling, and preferred and performed strategic forms of gambling.


CONCLUSIONS
As compared with non-substance-abusing gamblers, substance-abusing gamblers demonstrated different gambling profiles including heavier gambling. These findings suggest the need for additional research on whether and how substance use might promote gambling and vice versa.
Liu
Timothy
T
Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519, USA. timothy.liu@yale.edu
Maciejewski
Paul K
PK
Potenza
Marc N
MN
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005715:Gambling / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012309:Risk-Taking; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult