Substance use disorders and problematic gambling have a profound impact on various regions across our nation. Individuals in every community—regardless of size—are grappling with these challenges. The increasing visibility of alcohol promotions, legalization of certain drugs, surge in opioid consumption, and prevalence and accessibility of online gambling platforms are exposing more individuals to the risks of developing substance use disorders and gambling addictions.
A surge in these issues is typically accompanied by stigma deeply rooted in misinformation.
It is crucial to address this stigma head-on to devise solutions, advance preventive measures, and assist individuals in accessing treatment.
Continue reading to uncover factual information, dispel common misconceptions, and glean insights from our experiences working with patients.
What is a Substance Use Disorder?
A substance use disorder (SUD) is a treatable mental disorder that impacts an individual’s brain and behavior, resulting in their inability to regulate the consumption of legal or illicit substances, including drugs, alcohol, or medications.
What is Problem Gambling?
Problem gambling is gambling behavior that is damaging to a person or their family, often characterized by the need to bet increasing amounts of money and in turn severely disrupting a person’s personal and professional life.
Myths and Facts About Substance Use & Problem Gambling
Myth: Substance use disorders and problem gambling only affect a small portion of people.
Fact: According to a study from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (17.3%) had a substance use disorder in 2022. Men are typically more likely to use drugs than women, but women may also develop a prescription opioid dependance more rapidly than men.
Another 2.5 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem each year.
Myth: Substance use and problem gambling are purely choices.
Fact: Genetics, including the impact of one’s environment on gene expression, account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s risk of substance use disorder.
Environmental factors that may increase a person’s risk include a chaotic or abusive home environment, parental drug use and attitude toward drugs, peer influences, community perspectives toward drugs, and poor academic achievement.
Teenagers and individuals grappling with mental health issues face a greater susceptibility to substance use compared to other demographics.
Myth: Substance use and problem gambling only affect certain segments of our population.
Fact: Substance use disorders and problem gambling are indiscriminate, impacting substantial segments of the population irrespective of race or ethnicity. Although individuals of color may have a higher likelihood of experiencing substance use disorders and problem gambling, these conditions are not exclusive to any particular group.
Research also shows that people with a history of substance use disorders are at a higher risk of problem gambling.
The Path Forward
There is help and there are solutions for people to both avoid and recover from substance use disorders and problem gambling.
Combatting these issues starts with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Elevating discussions out of the shadows is the first step. This approach informs prevention and treatment services.
Studies from both the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration identify prevention as the best strategy to reduce the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other substances. Prevention programs work to reduce rates of substance use and gambling activities and can delay the age of first use.
Treatment is a powerful tool for those already suffering from a substance use disorder or problem gambling. Through treatment, we can help people identify triggers and develop strategies to avoid environments that may trigger an urge to use, identify positive ways to cope with these urges, and practice building environments supportive of recovery.
ASAC offers a variety of prevention and treatment services, from community outreach and education to individual, group, and residential treatment.
With expanded knowledge, increased awareness, and proactive methods, we can create safer, healthier, and more productive communities.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can reach out now.
Sources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/press-announcements/20231113/hhs-samhsa-release-2022-nsduh-data
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/addiction-statistics
https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/cost-benefits-prevention.pdf