The APA has recently decided to recognize gambling as an addiction. Recent research shows similarities between drug and gambling addiction. Specifically, the reward system links scattered areas of the brain. In addition, a person addicted to gambling may be more prone to developing other forms of addiction. This article outlines the statistics for gambling addiction and suggests treatments. Further, it looks at the prevalence of gambling addiction in the U.S. and various subpopulations.

Problem gambling

Problem gambling statistics have a lot to say about the problem. While most people associate gambling with crime, a growing number of us think it should be legal, whenever possible. This is particularly true of youth, with as many as 9% of all young gamblers suffering from a problem. Problem gambling is also associated with a high incidence of depression, and children of problem gamblers are at higher risk for developing the disorder. According to the Asian Journal of Gambling Issues and Public Health, approximately ten to 17 percent of children of problem gamblers develop a gambling disorder.

The prevalence of problem gambling in adults is approximately 7% in Hungary, where lotteries are the most popular form of gambling. Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, and Finland are among the European countries with extensive information on gambling addiction. Meanwhile, Bulgaria, Malta, Portugal, Poland, and the Czech Republic have virtually no information on the problem. However, it is worth noting that Australia was found to have the highest proportion of problem gamblers, with a rate of $958 per adult in 2017. This is followed by Hong Kong, Finland, and Singapore.

Prevalence of problem gambling in the U.S.

The prevalence of problem gambling in the United States is much higher among men than women, with the percentage of blacks, Hispanics, and Native Americans being highest. Conversely, white and Asian populations have the lowest rates. The rate of problem gambling is highest in the youngest age group, ranging from 18 to 30, and declines dramatically as one ages. It is also highest among those who live in the lowest third of SES, and decreases with increasing SES. It was also higher among older men than among younger Americans.

While prevalence is important in evaluating the effects of gambling on social and health outcomes, it is difficult to draw firm conclusions from current data. One of the most important issues is to identify which variables are associated with problem gambling. Although it is unclear whether gender is an independent variable, a recent study found that men are significantly more likely to be affected by gambling than women. The results also indicated that problem gambling prevalence increased among men during the 2000s, but declined among women.

Treatment options

While many people with a gambling addiction are resistant to therapy, the good news is that treatment options do exist. They can help people regain control of their lives and finances, as well as repair damaged relationships. Psychotherapy is a popular form of treatment for gambling addiction, and it may be helpful in the long run. The key to this type of therapy is learning to replace unhealthy beliefs with more beneficial ones. Psychotherapy can also be useful for family members who are struggling with a gambling problem.

While inpatient rehabilitation is the most common method of gambling addiction treatment, inpatient programs are ideal for those with severe disorders. Inpatient programs typically last 30 to 90 days and offer 24-hour care and therapy designed to confront the addictive nature of gambling. Most residential treatment facilities use cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. Inpatient treatment may also include medication management. It is crucial to know the facts about addiction before you choose a treatment program.

Prevalence in various subpopulations

A recent study found that the prevalence of problem gambling is lower in a subset of young adults aged 16 to 24 compared to the general population. While this decrease may be due to differences in the type and amount of money used, it is also likely related to the fact that these groups are more susceptible to addiction than the general population. The researchers found that the prevalence of problem gambling was significantly lower among those with AUD, DUD, and nicotine dependence. A Norwegian gambling survey reanalyzed unpublished data and found that only 1.3% of risky drinkers were problem gamblers.

Among those who experienced addiction to gambling, men with substance abuse histories reported that problem gambling was a common comorbidity. These men identified the similarities between problem gambling and substance use, and wished to educate others about gambling and substance abuse. In addition, these men also reported a desire to participate in treatment centers and recovery organizations. These findings highlight the need for prevention strategies. Further, these interventions may be more effective if they are tailored to the needs of each subpopulation.