Skip to main content
Log in

Adolescents with Gambling Problems: From Research to Treatment

  • Published:
Journal of Gambling Studies Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Considerable interest in the area of youth gambling has prompted an increase in empirical investigations examining the correlates associated with youth experiencing severe gambling problems. Based upon the current state of knowledge and our clinical experience, the development of the treatment program for youth with serious gambling problems employed at the McGill University Youth Gambling Research and Treatment Clinic is described. The major tenets, underlying philosophy, and therapeutic processes are presented. A case study is included to illustrate the therapeutic approach. The authors present the need for greater funding for more basic and applied research and the necessity for further scientifically validated treatment and prevention programs.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

REFERENCES

  • Arnett, J. (1994). Sensation seeking: A new conceptualization and a new scale. Personality and Individual Differences, 16 (2), 289-296.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bergler, E. (1957). The psychology of gambling. London: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaszczynski, A. P., & McConaghy, N. (1993). A two to nine year treatment follow-up study of pathological gambling. In W. Eadington & J. A. Cornelius (Eds.), Gambling behavior and problem gambling. Reno, NV: Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gambling.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaszczynski, A. P., McConaghy, N., & Winters, S. W. (1986). Plasma endorphin levels in pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 2, 3-14.

    Google Scholar 

  • Blaszczynski, A. P., & Silove, D. (1995). Cognitive and behavioral therapies for pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 11 (2), 195-220.

    Google Scholar 

  • Breen, R. B., & Zuckerman, M. (1996, September). Personality and cognitive of gambling participation and perseverance. Presented at the Tenth National Conference on Gambling Behavior, Chicago.

  • Brown, R. I. (1986). Dropouts and continuers in gamblers anonymous: Life context and other factors. Journal of Gambling Behavior, 2, 130-140.

    Google Scholar 

  • Brown, R. I. (1987). Dropouts and continuers in gamblers anonymous: IV. Evaluation and summary. Journal of Gambling Behavior, 3 (3), 202-210.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bujold, A., Ladouceur, R., Sylvain, C., & Boisvert, J. M. (1994). Treatment of pathological gamblers: An experimental study. Journal of Behavioral Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 25, 275-282.

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlton, P. L., & Goldstein, L. (1987). Physiological determinants of pathological gambling. In T. Galski (Ed.), Handbook on pathological gambling. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas Pub.

    Google Scholar 

  • Comings, D. (1998, June). The genetics of pathological gambling: The addictive effect of multiple genes. Paper presented at the National Conference on Problem Gambling, Las Vegas.

  • Decaria, C., Hollander, E. & Wong, C. (1997, August). Neuropsychiatric functioning in pathological gamblers. Paper presented at the National Conference on Problem Gambling, New Orleans.

  • Derevensky, J. L. (1999, April). Prevention of youth gambling problems: Treatment issues. Paper presented at the Canadian Foundation on Compulsive Gambling annual conference, Ottawa.

  • Derevensky, J. L., & Gupta, R. (1996, September). Risk-taking and gambling behavior among adolescents: An empirical examination. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the National Conference on Compulsive Gambling, Chicago.

  • Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (1998, June). Youth gambling: Prevalence, risk factors, clinical issues, and social policy. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Psychological Association, Edmonton.

  • Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (1999, June). Youth gambling problems: Prevalence, clinical treatment, and social policy issues. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the national Council on problem gambling, Detroit.

  • Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (2000). Prevalence estimates of adolescent gambling: A comparison of the SOGS-RA, DSM-IV-J, and the G.A. 20 questions. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 227-251.

    Google Scholar 

  • Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (in press). Youth gambling: A clinical and research perspective. e-Gambling: The Electronic Journal of Gambling.

  • Derevensky, J. L., Gupta, R., & Della Cioppa, G. (1996). A developmental perspective on gambling behavior in children and adolescents. Journal of Gambling Studies, 12, 49-66.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiClemente C. C., Story, M., & Murray, K. (2000). On a roll: The process of initiation and cessation of problem gambling among adolescents. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 289-313.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fisher, S. (1990, June). Juvenile gambling: The pull of the fruit machine. Paper presented at the Eighth International Conference on Risk and Gambling, London.

  • Folkman, S., & Lazarus, R. (1990). Coping and emotion. In N. Stein, B. Leventhal, & T. Trabaso (Eds.), Psychological and biological approaches to emotion. Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Govoni, R., Rupcich, N., & Frisch, G.R. (1996). Gambling behavior of adolescent gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 12, 305-318.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, M. D. (1989). Gambling in children and adolescents. Journal of Gambling Behavior, 5, 66-83.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, M. D. (1995). Adolescent gambling. London: Routledge.

    Google Scholar 

  • Griffiths, M. D., & Wood R. T. (2000). Risk factors in adolescence: The case of gambling, videogame playing, and the internet. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 199-225.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (1997a). Familial and social influences on juvenile gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 13, 179-192.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (1997b, May). Personality correlates of gambling behavior amongst adolescents. Paper presented at the First Annual New York State Conference on Problem Gambling, Albany.

  • Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (1998a). Adolescent gambling behavior: A prevalence study and examination of the correlates associated with excessive gambling. Journal of Gambling Studies, 14, 319-345.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (1998b). An empirical examination of Jacob's General Theory of Addictions: Do adolescent gamblers fit the theory? Journal of Gambling Studies, 14, 17-49.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gupta, R., Marget, N. & Derevensky, J. (2000, May). Adolescent problem gamblers: A preliminary analysis of their coping skills. Paper presented at the annual meeting of the Ontario Conference on Problem Gambling, Niagara Falls.

  • Haller, R., & Hinterhuber, H. (1994). Treatment of pathological gambling with carbamazepine. Pharmacopsychiatry, 27, 129.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hardoon, K., Herman, J., Gupta, R. & Derevensky, J. (1999, August). Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association conference, Boston.

  • Hollander, E., Frenkel, M., Decaria, C., Trungold, S., & Stein, D. (1992). Treatment of pathological gambling with chlomipramine. American Journal of Psychiatry, 149, 710-711.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hollander, E., & Wong, C. M. (1995). Body dismorphic disorder, pathological gambling, and sexual compulsions. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 56, 7-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, D. F. (1998). An overarching theory of addictions: A new paradigm for understanding and treating addictive behaviors. Paper presented at the National Academy of Sciences Meeting, Washington, D.C.

  • Jacobs, D. F. (2000). Juvenile gambling in North America: An analysis of long term trends and future prospects. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 119-152.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobs, D. F., Marsten, A. R., & Singer, R. D. (1985). Testing a general Theory of Addictions: Similarities and differences between alcoholics, pathological gamblers and compulsive overeaters. In J. J. Sanchez-Soza (Ed.), Health and clinical psychology. Amsterdam, Holland: Elcevier Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Knapp, T. J., & Lech, B, C, (1987). Pathological gambling: A review with recommendations. Advances in Behavior Research and Therapy, 9, 21-449.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kusyszyn, I. (1972). The gambling addict vs. the gambling professional. International Journal of the Addictions, 7, 387-393.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., Boisvert, J. M., & Dumont, J. (1994). Cognitive-behavioral treatment for adolescent pathological gamblers. Behavioral Modification, 18, (2), 230-242.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., Bouchard, C., Rhéaume, N., Jacques, C., Ferland, F., Leblond, J., & Walker, M. (2000). Is the SOGS an accurate measure of pathological gambling among children, adolescents and adults? Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 1-24.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., Dubé, D., & Bujold, A. (1994). Prevalence of pathological gamblers and related problems among college students in the Quebec metropolitan area. Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, 39, 289-293.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., & Mireault, C. (1988). Gambling behaviors among high school students in the Quebec area. Journal of Gambling Behavior, 4, 3-12.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., Sylvain, C., Letarte, H., Giroux, I., & Jacques, C. (1998). Cognitive treatment of pathological gamblers. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 36, 1111-1120.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., & Walker, M. (1996). Cognitive perspectives on gambling. In P. M. Salkoviskis (Ed.), Trends in cognitive therapy. Chichester, UK: Wiley.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ladouceur, R., & Walker, M. (1998). Cognitive approach to understanding and treating pathological gambling. In A.S. Bellack & M. Hersen (Eds.), Comprehensive clinical psychology, New York: Pergamon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Langer, E. J. (1975). The illusion of control. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 32, 311-321.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesieur, H. R. (1990). Working with and understanding Gamblers Anonymous. Working with self help. Homewood, IL: Dorsey.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesieur, H. (1998). Costs and treatment of pathological gambling. The Annals of the American Academy of Social Science, 556, 153-171.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesieur, H. R., & Blume, S. B. (1991). Evaluation of patients treated for pathological gambling in a combined alcohol, substance abuse, and pathological gambling treatment unit using the Addiction Severity Index. British Journal of Addictions, 86, 1017-1028.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesieur, H. R., & Klein, R. (1987). Pathological gambling among high school students. Addictive Behaviors, 12, 129-135.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesieur, H. R., & Rosenthal, R. J. (1991). Pathological gambling: A review of the literature. Journal of Gambling Studies, 7 (1), 5-39.

    Google Scholar 

  • López Vietz, V. C., & Miller, W. R. (1997). Treatment approaches for pathological gamblers. Clinical Psychology Review, 17, (7), 689-702.

    Google Scholar 

  • Marget, N., Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (1999, August). The psychosocial factors underlying adolescent problem gambling. Poster presented at the annual meeting of the American Psychological Association, Boston.

  • McCormick, R. A., & Taber, J. I. (1988). Attributional style in pathological gamblers in treatment. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 97 (3), 368-370.

    Google Scholar 

  • Miller, W. (1986). Individual outpatient treatment of pathological gambling. Journal of Gambling Behavior, 2, 95-107.

    Google Scholar 

  • Monat, A., & Lazurus, R. (Eds.). (1991). Stress and coping: An anthology. New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Moskowitz, J. A. (1980). Lithium and lady luck: Use of lithium carbonate in compulsive gambling. New York State Journal of Medicine, 80, 785-788.

    Google Scholar 

  • Murray, J. B. (1993). Review of research on pathological gambling. Psychological Reports, 72, 791-810.

    Google Scholar 

  • National Gambling Impact Study Commission (1999). National Gambling Impact Study Commission: Final Report.

  • National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago (NORC) (1999). Report to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission.

  • National Research Council. (1999). Pathological gambling: A critical review. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nower, L., Gupta, R., & Derevensky, J. (2000, June). Youth gamblers and substance abusers: A comparison of stress-coping styles and risk-taking behavior of two addicted adolescent populations. Paper presented at the 11th International Conference on Gambling and Risk-Taking, Las Vegas.

  • Powell, J., Hardoon, K., Derevensky, J., & Gupta, R. (1999). Gambling and risk-taking behavior among university students. Substance Use & Misuse, 34 (8), 1167-1184.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosenthal, R. J. (1987). The psychodynamics of pathological gambling: A review of the literature. In T. Galski (Ed.), The handbook of pathological gambling. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rugle, L. J., & Rosenthal, R. J. (1994). Transference and countertransference in the psychotherapy of pathological gamblers. Journal of Gambling Studies, 10, 43-65.

    Google Scholar 

  • Saiz, J. (1992). No hagen juego, senores (Don't begin the game). Interviu, 829, 24-28.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shaffer, H. J., & Hall, M. N. (1996). Estimating prevalence of adolescent gambling disorders: A quantitative synthesis and guide toward standard gambling nomenclature. Journal of Gambling Studies, 12, 193-214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stinchfield, R. (2000). Gambling and correlates of gambling among Minnesota public school students. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 153-173.

    Google Scholar 

  • Stinchfield, R., Cassuto, N., Winters, K., & Latimer, W. (1997). Prevalence of gambling among Minnesota public school students in 1992 and 1995. Journal of Gambling Studies, 13, 25-48.

    Google Scholar 

  • Toneatto, T., & Sobell, L. C. (1990). Pathological gambling treated with cognitive behavior therapy: A case report. Addictive Behaviors, 15, 497-501.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vitaro, F., Ferland, F., Jacques, C., & Ladouceur, R. (1998). Gambling, substance use, and impulsivity during adolescence. Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, 12 (3), 185-194.

    Google Scholar 

  • Volberg, R. A. (1994). The prevalence and demographics of pathological gamblers: Implications for public health. American Journal of Public Health, 84, (2), 237-241.

    Google Scholar 

  • Volberg, R. A. (1996). Gambling and problem gambling in New York: A 10-year replication survey, 1986 to 1996. Report to the New York Council on Problem Gambling.

  • Volberg, R. (1998). Gambling and problem gambling among adolescents in New York. Report to the New York Council on Problem Gambling. Albany, NY.

  • Walker, M. B. (1992). The psychology of gambling. NY: Pergamon.

    Google Scholar 

  • Walker, M. B. (1993). Treatment strategies for problem gambling: A review of effectiveness. In W. Eadington & J. Cornelius (Eds.), Gambling behavior and problem gambling, Reno, NV: Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wildman, R. W. (1997). Gambling: An attempt at an integration. Edmonton, Alberta: Wynne Resources.

    Google Scholar 

  • Winters, K.C., & Anderson, N. (2000). Gambling involvement and drug use among adolescents. Journal of Gambling Studies, 16, 175-198.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolchik, S., & Sandler, I. (Eds.). (1997). Handbook of children's coping: Linking theory and intervention. New York: Plenum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wynne, H. J., Smith, G, J., & Jacobs, D. F. (1996). Adolescent gambling and problem gambling in Alberta. Prepared for the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission. Edmonton: Wynne Resources LTD.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, M. (1994). Behavioral expressions and biosocial bases of sensation seeking. New York: Cambridge University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, M. (1979). Sensation seeking: Beyond the optimal level of arousal. Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuckerman, M., Eysenck, S., & Eysenck, H. J. (1978). Sensation seeking in England and America: Cross-cultural, age, and sex comparisons. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 46 (1), 139-149.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Gupta, R., Derevensky, J.L. Adolescents with Gambling Problems: From Research to Treatment. J Gambl Stud 16, 315–342 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009493200768

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1009493200768

Navigation