NCJ Number
206546
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 13 Issue: 4 Dated: 2004 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
2004
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study examined why adolescent problem gamblers often fail to seek treatment for gambling.
Abstract
Previous research on gambling prevalence among adolescents has indicated that approximately 40 percent of adolescents gamble regularly; rates of problem gambling among adolescents are up to four times greater than those of adults. Despite the prevalence of problem gambling among adolescents, this group is unlikely to seek treatment. In order to explore potential reasons for adolescents’ failure to seek treatment for problem gambling, the authors conducted a descriptive study in which 265 secondary public school students in Canada were interviewed using the DSM-IV-J, an instrument designed for use with adolescent populations that includes diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. Results of qualitative analyses indicated seven of the participants met diagnostic criteria for pathological gambling. None have sought help for problem gambling and only one of the seven problem gamblers reported experiencing problems associated with gambling. From the perspective of these adolescents, it was clear that gambling did not present itself as a problem in the daily lives of the problem gamblers because gambling was not linked to any adverse consequences. Treatment efforts should focus on public health responses to adolescents who frequently participate in serious negative behaviors as part of an overall lifestyle of risk taking. Further empirical research is necessary before conclusions can be reached regarding the treatment-seeking behavior of adolescent problem gamblers. Table, references