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Objectives. This study compared problem gamblers, problem substance users, dual-problem individuals, and persons without these problems in the general population. Methods. On the basis of computer-assisted telephone interviews of a random sample of Texas adults (n = 6308) standard instruments were used to gauge substance use and gambling problems in the general population. Results. Compared with those having a substance use or gambling problem only, dual-problem individuals were more likely to be young, never-married men, without conventional religious affiliations. There was more dysfunctionality (as evidenced by treatment-seeking and problems with the law) among dual-problem respondents than among those troubled exclusively by gambling or substance use problems. Conclusions. Screening and treatment for gambling problems should be offered in drug treatment and criminal justice arenas. (Am J Public Health. 1998;88:467-470)

A six term version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is derived with the help of an item response theory, which performed uniformly across a sample of pathological gamblers and students. The implications and the remaining limitations of using this shortened measure for the continuum-based assessment of gambling problems are discussed.

As part of research conducted for the New York State Office of Mental Health, New York members of ALMACA were sent a questionnaire inquiring into their experiences with compulsive gamblers. Out of 86 EAPs and providers replying to the survey, 64% had identified compulsive gamblers. These gamblers represented 1.4% of the total client population. Fifty-nine percent of the respondents that had identified compulsive gamblers (71% of EAPs and 15% of service providers) made referrals to outside treatment facilities with pathological gambling as a primary (or secondary) problem. Seventy-eight percent of the organizations that had someone attend training/education sessions about compulsive gambling employees in contrast with 45% of those that had not attended education/training sessions. Respondents indicated a need for basic, as well as advanced, training/education about compulsive gambling. There was also a recognition of the inadequacy of the existing level of treatment services, education and training in the state. The majority of the pathological gamblers presently seen by the New York State ALMACA members are addicted to chemicals, as well as gambling. This is in contrast with studies indicating that most compulsive gamblers are not dually addicted. The implications of these findings are discussed in terms of theory and application.

Using a liberal feminist orientation, the literature on a diverse range of topics concerning the profile of the pathological gambler, from personality traits to psychiatric orientation, as well as consequences of the behavior on individuals was reviewed for its gender-related content. The vast majority of this research has been on male subjects; gender of respondents has not been discussed; gender-related findings have not been reported; mostly male-dominated gambling sites have been investigated. To say that most compulsive gamblers are men and therefore, theorists need to explain them first and only later apply these same explanations to the 'rare' [female] cases is to acquiesce to a patriarchal notion of the world. Action is suggested which would put a halt to this trend and suggestions are made for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seventy-two pathological gambling patients were followed-up after treatment in a combined alcohol, substance abuse and compulsive gambling treatment program. The Addiction Severity Index (modified for use with pathological gamblers) was used to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment. Patients reduced their intake of alcohol, other drugs and their gambling as well as improved in legal, family/social, and psychological functioning. There was a trend for improvement in medical condition and no net change in employment functioning. The study supports the idea that combined treatment is an effective way of dealing with patients whose gambling problems are discovered when they enter treatment for another addiction, as well as for patients whose initial complaints include pathological gambling, with or without additional problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients in a therapeutic community were questioned about their gambling behavior in order to find out what percentage of them were pathological gamblers. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (the SOGS) was used to screen the clients for gambling-related problems. Out of 100 residents tested, 14 were diagnosed as pathological gamblers and an additional 14 showed signs of problematic gambling. Seventeen percent listing alcohol as one their three favorite drugs, 18% listing cocaine, 13% preferring marihuana, 11% preferring hallucinogens, 29% choosing heroin, 10% choosing PCP, and none choosing tranquilizers or sedatives showed signs of pathological gambling. Males were more likely to be classified as pathological gamblers than females. Residents aged 19 years and over were four times as likely to show signs of pathological gambling than those 18 years and under. SOGS was also significantly associated with parental gambling (50% of the children of pathological gamblers were pathological gamblers themselves) and occupational status. The implications for study and treatment of these individuals are made in terms of the study of addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients in an alcoholism and drug dependency treatment facility were questioned about their gambling behavior in order to find out what percentage of them were abusing alcohol and/or drugs and gambling. In order to do this, a pathological gambling signs index was constructed according to a modification of DSM III criteria and validated using independent procedures. Out of 458 patients interviewed, 40 (9%) were diagnosed as pathological gamblers and an additional 47 (10%) showed signs of problematic gambling. These patients showed clear signs of emotional, financial, family and occupational disruption, and illegal behavior in connection with their gambling which compound the disruption induced by alcohol and/or drugs. Five per cent of the patients abusing only alcohol, 12% of those with alcohol and another drug in combination, and 18% of those with other drug abuse problems without an alcohol component showed dear signs of pathological gambling; 1116% of mates and 2% of females were classified as pathological gamblers. The index was also significantly associated with parental gambling (38% of the children of pathological gamblers were pathological gamblers themselves). Gambling by siblings, alcoholism in the father (but not in the mother), gambling prior to age 20, greater amounts of gambling for more money, and 'chasing losses in order to get even" were also positively correlated with the index. The implications for study and treatment of these individuals are discussed in terms of the study of addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article attempts to formulate a multi-stage contingency model of the causes of organizational crime. After reviewing recent efforts to define the phenomenon and distinguish it from other forms of organizational deviance, the paper elaborates the primary components of the model, noting their theoretical antecedents, the logic of their position in the proposed developmental sequence, empirical examples and the extent of supportive evidence. Comments on the model's strengths and limitations conclude the essay. The article reviews the extent and nature of organizational crime, including recent efforts by others to define it and distinguish it from other related forms of deviance, such as white-collar crime and administrative corruption. From criminology draws upon such theoretical stems as anomie theory and its progenitors, labeling theory and newer social constructionist and radical perspectives.

The South Oaks Gambling Screen is a 20-item questionnaire based on DSM-III criteria for pathological gambling. It may be self-administered or administered by nonprofessional or professional interviewers. A total of 1,616 subjects were involved in its development: 867 patients with diagnoses of substance abuse and pathological gambling, 213 members of Gamblers Anonymous, 384 university students, and 152 hospital employees. Independent validation by family members and counselors was obtained for the calibration sample, and internal consistency and test-retest reliability were established. The instrument correlates well with the criteria of the revised version of DSM-III (DSM-III-R). It offers a convenient means to screen clinical populations of alcoholics and drug abusers, as well as general populations, for pathological gambling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]