Work

Gambling, Discrimination, and Stressful Life Events among Substance Use Disorder Treatment Patients

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: People with addictive disorders are vulnerable to stigma and discrimination, which can impact addiction treatment outcomes through increased psychological distress and reduced self-efficacy. We investigated relationships between problem gambling, psychological distress, self-efficacy, and stressful life experiences related to identity among patients in SUD treatment. Patients (N = 590) from 19 residential treatment facilities across California completed a survey on substance use, problem gambling, psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale - K6), self-efficacy, and intersectional discrimination [Intersectional Discrimination Index - Major (InDI-M)]. Multivariable regression analyses compared three groups on these measures: problem gambling (PG, n = 70), non-problem gambling (NPG, n = 154), and no gambling (NG, n = 366). About 38% of the sample reported past-year gambling. Compared to NG, PG had higher lifetime (mean difference [MD] = 2.61, 95% CI = 0.80, 4.42) and past-year (MD = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.37, 2.27) InDI-M scores; and higher K6 scores (MD = 2.09, 95% CI = 1.14, 3.04). PG also had increased risk of lifetime eviction (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.66, 3.75) and property damage/theft (AOR = 2.99, 95% CI = 1.43, 6.26); and past-year relationship loss (AOR = 4.95, 95% CI = 1.77, 13.83) and physical attack (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI = 1.40, 4.72) compared to NG. In this sample, PG reported more psychological distress and identity-based stressful experiences. Clinical interventions for SUD patients with comorbid PG should prioritize trauma-informed approaches, self-stigma reduction, and case navigation for social determinants of health such as housing insecurity.

Source: Journal of Gambling Studies

DOI: 10.1007/s10899-026-10567-3

Authors: Anna Pagano, Nadra E. Lisha, Jennifer T. Le, Caravella McCuistian

Institutions: University of California, San Francisco, University of San Francisco

Language: English

Topic: Gambling Behavior and Treatments

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,390