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Relationship between problem gambling and substance use in a methadone maintenance population
David M Ledgerwood1, Karen K Downey
1Department of Psychology, University of Windsor, Ontario, Canada. ledgerw@server.uwindsor.ca
Addictive Behaviors
|August 22, 2002
Summary
Pathological gambling in patients undergoing methadone treatment is linked to poorer outcomes. Problem gamblers were more likely to use cocaine and drop out of treatment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Clinical Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Substance abuse and pathological gambling often co-occur.
- Limited research exists on the impact of gambling on substance abuse treatment outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess gambling behavior in patients receiving methadone maintenance treatment.
- To examine the relationship between pathological gambling and treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Sixty-two patients in a methadone program were evaluated for gambling behavior using SOGS criteria.
- Treatment outcomes measured included urine toxicology for heroin and cocaine, and clinic dropout rates.
Main Results:
- 17.7% of patients met criteria for probable pathological gambling.
- Pathological gamblers showed higher rates of cocaine use during therapy.
- Patients with pathological gambling were more likely to discontinue treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pathological gambling is a significant factor affecting substance abuse treatment success.
- Clinicians should screen for gambling problems in patients undergoing addiction treatment.
- Integrated treatment approaches may improve outcomes for co-occurring disorders.