Similarities and Differences: Gambling and Substance Use Disorders

Dr. Rory C. Reid, Ph.D., LCSW, ICGC-II, Dr. Timothy W. Fong, M.D.

Dr. Michael D. Campos, Ph.D., Dr. Richard J. Rosenthal, M.D.

UCLA Gambling Studies Program

Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences

University of California Los Angeles

 

ARTICLE SUMMARY

Why are gambling addiction and substance use disorders considered so similar—and what makes them different?
 

Dr. Rory Reid and colleagues from the UCLA Gambling Studies Program explain how gambling disorder shares many of the same neurological and behavioral characteristics as drug and alcohol addiction, while also presenting unique clinical challenges.
 

Although gambling disorder does not involve the use of drugs or alcohol, decades of research have demonstrated that it shares many of the same psychological, neurological, and behavioral characteristics as substance use disorders. In this publication, Dr. Rory C. Reid and colleagues from the UCLA Gambling Studies Program examine the common pathways underlying both conditions while highlighting the important clinical differences that distinguish gambling disorder as a behavioral addiction.
 

KEY SIMILARITIES

• Difficulty stopping despite consequences

• Cravings and relapse

• Changes in brain reward pathways

• Anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD commonly occur together

• Financial, family, and career problems

• Increased suicide risk
   

KEY DIFFERENCES

• Gambling is a behavioral addiction—not a substance.

• There are usually no visible physical signs.

• People often "chase losses."

• Financial consequences are often more severe.

• There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for gambling disorder.
   

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

The authors explore how both disorders involve impaired control, cravings, withdrawal-like symptoms, relapse, co-occurring mental health conditions, and disruptions to relationships, employment, and overall well-being. At the same time, they explain the unique aspects of gambling disorder, including the absence of intoxication, the phenomenon of "chasing losses," and the significant financial consequences that often accompany compulsive gambling.
 

This resource provides valuable insights for clinicians, researchers, students, individuals affected by gambling disorder, and family members seeking to better understand how gambling addiction compares to alcohol and drug addiction. By recognizing both the similarities and distinctions, healthcare providers can deliver more effective, evidence-based treatment tailored to the unique needs of each individual.