Success With Drug Treatment for Gambling Addiction

The success of international gaming meccas, such as Las Vegas, Monte Carlo and Macau, highlight the allure of gambling. But the associated euphoria can lead to addictive behavior. New drug therapies are available to help problem gamblers control their impulses.

Options for treatment

• While the most common treatments for problem gambling are cognitive/behavioral therapy and self-help groups, an increasing number of researchers are looking for pharmaceutical answers. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drug to specifically treat pathological gambling, but scientists are looking at several different classes of drugs, including SSRIs, antipsychotics and opiate antagonists, to see if they can produce lasting effects.

SSRIs

• Some SSRIs, including paroxetine (commonly known as Paxil), have been shown to help reduce anxiety and problem gambling symptoms for patients. They may be particularly helpful for patients who claim to gamble as a way to deal with stress. However, the effective dosage of SSRIs for problem gamblers appears to be higher than the dose needed for depression.

Antipsychotics

• Antipsychotic drugs, such as lithium, are primarily prescribed to treat paranoia or delusions, but they seem to help reduce anxiety as well. They may reduce a gambler's obsession with gaming.

Opiate antagonists

• Opiate antagonists, such as the drug nalmefene, are used in the treatment of alcohol and narcotics addictions to reduce cravings. Problem gamblers with intense cravings may find that this class of drugs offers a reasonable alternative.

Conclusion

• Early evidence seems to show that some people with a gambling addiction may benefit from medication. However, most doctors believe that medication should only be thought of as one part of the treatment of problem gambling.