Gambling and substance use: Comorbidity and treatment implications

Gambling disorder is a common condition that was previously listed as an impulse control disorder, but is now considered a substance-related and addictive disorder. Gambling disorder has been associated with various untoward long-term outcomes including impaired quality of life, relationship break-ups, debt and mortgage foreclosure, and elevated risk of suicidality. This paper provides a concise primer on gambling disorder, with a special focus on its parallels with substance use disorders. We consider clinical presentations, comorbid expression, heritability, and treatment approaches (psychological and pharmacological). Lastly, we highlight new treatment directions suggested by the literature.