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Pathological gambling among methadone patients
W Feigelman1, P H Kleinman, H R Lesieur
1Department of Sociology, Nassau Community College, Garden City, New York 11530, USA.
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
|August 1, 1995
Summary
Seven percent of methadone patients exhibit pathological gambling, with men, alcohol abuse history, and criminal activity being key correlates. Dual addiction further increases social dysfunction and conflict.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Psychology
- Criminology
Background:
- Methadone patients often have co-occurring substance use disorders and other psychosocial challenges.
- Problem gambling is a recognized behavioral addiction with significant public health implications.
- Understanding gambling correlates in vulnerable populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and correlates of problem gambling among methadone patients.
- To identify demographic, substance use, and criminal history factors associated with pathological gambling in this population.
- To explore the relationship between dual addiction (gambling and substance use) and social dysfunction.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 220 methadone patients in the New York metropolitan area.
- Utilized the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) to identify probable pathological gamblers.
- Employed multiple regression analysis to determine correlates of pathological gambling.
Main Results:
- Seven percent of the sample met criteria for probable pathological gambling.
- Problem gamblers were more likely to be male with histories of alcohol abuse and criminal activity.
- Dual-addicted individuals reported greater social dysfunction, unemployment, heroin use, and hallucinations.
Conclusions:
- Problem gambling is prevalent in methadone treatment populations.
- Criminality and male gender are significant correlates of pathological gambling.
- Social dysfunction, particularly conflict with friends, is strongly linked to pathological gambling in dually addicted individuals, warranting further research.