Pathological Gambling Among Youthful Multiple Substance Abusers in a Therapeutic Community.

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]