Key Points:
- Gambling addiction and substance abuse often overlap, creating a cycle that harms health, finances, and relationships.
- Research shows up to half of people with gambling disorder also struggle with alcohol or drug misuse.
- Shared brain pathways, genetic risk, and environmental triggers drive this connection, making integrated treatment essential.
Gambling addiction and substance abuse often go together, creating a dangerous cycle that damages health, finances, and relationships. People may turn to alcohol or drugs while gambling to cope with stress or enhance excitement.
Others may start gambling excessively after struggling with substance abuse, seeking another outlet for relief or escape. Understanding the connection between these two disorders is essential for finding the right support and treatment.
Why Gambling and Substance Abuse Often Overlap
The link between gambling and substance misuse is not random. Addiction experts observe that individuals with gambling disorder frequently struggle with substance use. A 2025 narrative review reported that around 50 percent of individuals with gambling disorder have also experienced problems with alcohol, illicit drugs, or prescription sedatives and painkillers.
Additionally, a toolkit compiled by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) notes that among pathological gamblers, substance use disorder affects 25 to 63 percent, with alcohol being the most common, highlighting significant overlap between addiction behaviors
Contributing factors include:
- Genetic predisposition to addictive behaviors
- Social environments that normalize drinking, betting, or drug use
- Mental health conditions such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, or PTSD
- Accessibility of online gambling platforms paired with alcohol or drug use at home
Signs That Gambling Addiction and Substance Abuse Are Connected
Recognizing the signs of combined struggles can be difficult, as one behavior may overshadow the other. A person may focus on gambling losses while ignoring how drinking is escalating, or vice versa. Still, there are common warning signals that suggest both issues may be at play.
Indicators may include:
- Drinking heavily or using drugs during gambling sessions
- Borrowing money or selling belongings to cover both gambling losses and substance use
- Increased tolerance, needing more gambling or higher doses to feel the same excitement or relief
- Withdrawal symptoms when trying to cut back, such as irritability, insomnia, or anxiety—common in both gambling addiction withdrawal and substance dependence
- Strained relationships and conflicts related to both gambling and alcohol or drug misuse
A thorough substance abuse evaluation can help uncover whether both conditions are present.
The Impact on Health and Daily Life
The combination of gambling addiction and substance abuse can quickly spiral into severe health and lifestyle problems. The long-term consequences affect multiple areas of life:
- Physical health: Alcoholism and gambling often contribute to liver disease, sleep problems, and cardiovascular issues.
- Mental health: Co-occurring disorders increase risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. A recent study found that people with both addictions face significantly higher risks of suicidal ideation compared to those with one disorder.
- Relationships: Partners and family members often face broken trust, financial hardship, and emotional strain.
- Employment: Frequent absences, poor job performance, and even job loss are common.
Globally, substance use disorders remain widespread. In the U.S., 14.5 percent of people aged 12 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year, including more than 5 percent with alcohol use disorder. When these concerns overlap with gambling addiction, the impact on health and stability multiplies.
Treatment Approaches for Dual Addiction
Successful treatment requires addressing both conditions together rather than focusing on only one. Programs that integrate gambling counseling with substance use recovery provide better long-term outcomes.
Treatment often includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify triggers and build healthier coping skills.
- Medication support: In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication to manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
- Peer support groups: Meetings tailored to dual recovery give individuals community support from others who share similar struggles.
- Substance abuse assessment and ongoing evaluation: Continuous check-ins help track progress and adjust treatment plans.
A recent Swedish registry study found that 73 percent of individuals treated for gambling disorders had psychiatric comorbidities, including substance use disorders, one of the most common diagnoses. This highlights why integrated care is essential for effective treatment.
Steps Families Can Take to Support Recovery
Family involvement is a key factor in recovery. Loved ones often notice the early warning signs, but they may feel unsure about how to help without enabling harmful behavior. Education and structured boundaries make a big difference.
Practical steps families can consider:
- Learn about the overlap of alcoholism and gambling to better understand what the person is experiencing.
- Encourage professional evaluation rather than trying to handle the situation alone.
- Avoid financial bailouts, which may unintentionally support further gambling or substance use.
- Suggest peer groups or therapy options for both gambling and substance abuse.
- Take care of personal mental health by seeking support for yourself.
Family members who engage in therapy alongside their loved ones often feel more empowered and better equipped to provide encouragement without reinforcing addictive cycles.
Address the Problem Early
Early recognition and treatment are critical. Gambling addiction withdrawal can trigger severe irritability, restlessness, and mood swings, which may be compounded by alcohol or drug withdrawal. Delaying care increases the risk of relapse, financial collapse, and long-term health complications.
Build a Sustainable Recovery Plan
Recovery is not just about stopping gambling or drinking. It involves building a new lifestyle that minimizes triggers and creates healthier routines. A sustainable recovery plan often includes:
- Structured daily routines with minimal exposure to gambling and drinking environments
- Healthy coping strategies such as exercise, mindfulness, or volunteering
- Continuous therapy and check-ins to adjust as needs change
- Building supportive social networks that encourage sober and gambling-free living.
A long-term view helps prevent relapse and gives individuals a sense of purpose beyond addiction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction arises from genetic vulnerability, dopamine-driven brain reward pathways, and environmental exposure. Twin studies confirm heritability, while risk grows with trauma, poverty, and access to betting. DSM-5-TR classifies it as a behavioral addiction, paralleling substance use disorders.
Is there a drug for gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction has no FDA-approved drug. Research shows opioid antagonists like naltrexone and nalmefene, and antipsychotics like olanzapine, may reduce symptoms short term, but evidence is low-certainty and side effects limit use. Treatment focuses on CBT, with medications used off-label under supervision.
Do gambling addicts recover?
Yes, gambling addicts recover. Long-term studies show many achieve remission, sometimes without formal treatment. Cognitive-behavioral therapy produces lasting reductions in severity and frequency, while support groups, counseling, and social networks improve coping and prevent relapse, increasing the chance of sustained recovery.
Take Action with Professional Support
Treatment for gambling and substance abuse in Ohio and Pennsylvania provides structured care that can address both sides of the struggle. Recovery is possible, but it requires a plan that combines medical support, therapy, and strong social systems.
New Horizons Recovery Centers offers evidence-based care designed to treat both gambling and substance use disorders in a comprehensive way. By addressing the full picture of addiction, individuals gain tools to manage withdrawal, resist triggers, and rebuild meaningful lives.
Contact us today to begin a recovery plan supported by a compassionate team that understands the complexity of dual addiction.
