Introduction to the Gambling Disorder Special Issue

The Price of Gambling: Examining Gambling Disorders

Gambling disorders are a serious public health problem. This manuscript will provide a comprehensive overview on this topic. Gambling disorder involves repeated patterns of gambling behaviors, that result in significant distress or impairment in a person's interpersonal relationships, employment, educational/career opportunities, and finances over a period of 12 months. Gambling is defined as an activity that involves risking something of value with the hopes of acquiring something of greater value. Comparable to substance use disorders, individuals with a gambling disorder may be unsuccessful in exercising control over their problematic behavior, engage in the behavior despite negative consequences, and have preoccupations/cravings to gamble. Gambling disorder has higher comorbidity rates of mental disorders including depression, anxiety, substance use, and personality disorders. Gamblers rarely seek treatment. Treatments must be tailored to the individual which may include psychological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, gamblers anonymous, and psychopharmacological agents such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, mood stabilizers, and opioid antagonists to treat clinical symptoms.

Qualitative Descriptive Study of Illegal Behaviors among Those with Gambling Disorder in South Korea: Their Efforts for Recovery and Role of Mental Health Care Providers

The prevalence of Gambling Disorder among Koreans suggests that it is relatively higher than other countries. This study explored gambling-related crimes and related mental health care needs of those with Gambling Disorder on a case-by-case basis. Participants (n = 6) included men attending Gamblers Anonymous in South Korea with gambling debts and histories of illegal acts. Thematic analysis of qualitative interviews identified themes: (1) Meaning of Gambling Disorder in life, (2) Initiation of illegal acts stemming from Gambling Disorder, and (3) Life after addiction, efforts for recovery, and mental health care needs. Gambling Disorder destroyed lives and created criminal victims thereby threatening familial and community health.