Gambling opportunities have expanded around the world and consequently gambling disorders (pathological gambling and problem gambling) have received increased attention.

Gambling disorders affect 0.2-5.3% of adults. They are highly comorbid with other mental health and substance use disorders.

Several treatment approaches have been favorably evaluated:

- cognitive behavioral models
- brief treatment models
- pharmacological interventions

Although promising, family therapy and support from Gamblers Anonymous are less well empirically supported.

References:

Gambling disorders. The Lancet, Volume 378, Issue 9806, Pages 1874 - 1884, 26 November 2011.

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