Note: As the title suggests, I will try to share an interesting trivia every Tuesdays.
Trivia: A research study found that 75% of gamblers had an alcohol disorder, 38% had a drug use disorder, and 60% were nicotine dependent.
As I was researching for a trivia to share this day, I stumbled upon this article. I find it interesting that a large percentage of gamblers are consuming some type of substance. What are your thoughts on this one? Also I tried finding exact study that shows these statistics but this is the close one I found.
There has always been a strong correlation between gambling and substance abuse. These two behaviors are usually interconnected and influenced mainly by psychological and social factors. For example, if the social culture is gambling venues serve alcohol, then it's seen as acceptable if you gamble and have a drink. Since addictions involve the brain reward system, patterns of addiction in gambling reinforce those of drinking and vice versa. As a result, you see those statistics of 75% of gamblers having an alcohol disorder. Also, drinking to cope with gambling losses makes them overlap easily.
Not really,even though they both lead to addiction.Gambling has more positive impacts on an individual.
This is interesting and thanks for sharing @evcj_ I agree that there is a link between gambling and substance abuse for some people. But I also think that new generations may not follow this trend. When I first started gambling I had to use betting shops in the UK which were always smoky and I saw people sneaking in hip flasks with alcohol in them even though this was prohibited.
But these days more and more people are gambling online from their own homes and unless they have a substance abuse problem at home I don't necessarily believe that there is a link to gambling. As I see it, these numbers will be reduced over the coming years.
the findings make sense because like @hildaw indicated, gambling settings especially in casinos, you will find alcohol. Further, if we are to consider behavior, when people win, they tend to celebrate by indulging in alcohol and other substances. If they lose, alcohol is the source of solace. This then points towards gambling as a strong causation for alcohol and substance abuse where the effects are potential addiction.
1. I agree with @hildaw, gambling venues serving alcohol is a huge factor.
2. I'd like to read the bias section of that research.
