GAMBLING AND ITS COMORBIDITY WITH ALCOHOL AND PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE

Abstract

Pathological gambling and alcoholism are addictions with many common characteristics. Unfortunately,
this suggests that a person who is prone to developing an addiction very often develops another
addiction, or addictive behavior, over time. In this way, a person with a gambling problem can very
often develop an addiction to alcohol, just as an alcoholic can develop a pathological gambling problem
over time. Factors influencing the development of addiction, alcoholism in gamblers or gambling in
alcoholics, are not only characteristics of an individual prone to addiction, but also external, social
factors; gambling sites most often include bars while many bars have gambling machines.
In this case report, we present one such example, through all stages of its development to treatment, and
this includes diagnosis, treatment and post-hospital follow-up. The treatment for these addictions differs,
because alcoholism also requires detoxification. However, when realistic and achievable goals are set,
as well as triggers identified and the person's awareness is enhanced, alongside educating and
engagement of the individual through functional and adequate behaviors, treatment can be very
successful. The probability of relapse exists in both forms of addiction, however, it increases
significantly if a person has both addictions.