Risk factors for gambling and substance use among recent college students

Abstract

Background While it is well known that substance use and gambling overlap, the degree to which this overlap can be explained by shared risk factors has not been fully explored. This study aimed to identify common and unique risk factors for gambling and substance use among young adults. Methods Young adults (n=1,019) in a longitudinal study since college entry were interviewed annually. Past-year frequency of seven gambling activities was assessed once (Year 5). Structural equation models evaluated suspected risk factors in two models, one for gambling with substance use as an intermediary variable, and one for substance use with gambling as the intermediary variable. Results Sixty percent gambled; 6% gambled weekly or more. Examination of the two structural models supported the existence of significant paths (a) from two of the five substance use variables (alcohol, drugs) to gambling frequency, and (b) from gambling frequency to all five substance use variables. Every risk factor associated with gambling was also associated with one or more substance use variables. Risk factors common to gambling and substance use were sex, race/ethnicity, extracurricular involvement (fraternity/sorority, athletics), impulsive sensation-seeking, and behavioral dysregulation. Risk factors unique to substance use were conduct problems, anxiety, and parent’s history of alcohol and mental health problems. Conclusions Gambling and substance use are interrelated, but with incomplete overlap in their respective risk factors. Results underscore the need for longitudinal research to elucidate their distinct etiologies.

Pathways connecting socioeconomic variables, substance abuse and gambling behaviour: a cross-sectional study on a sample of Italian high-school students

“…The findings indicate that nearly one in two underage school students had had at least one alcoholic drink in the previous month, that one in four smoked, nearly 1 in 5 had consumed cannabis in the previous year and 1 in 15 could be defined as an at risk or problem gambler. These prevalence data are consistent with previous research 24. The particular geographical distribution of the ORs for the prevalence of different health-risk behaviours in Italy was also in line with official records 25 26…”

The prospective effect of purpose in life on gambling disorder and psychological flourishing among university students

“…Cross-sectional research is commonly used to identify psychosocial factors of GD, including impulsivity (Caldeira et al, 2017;Hartmann & Blaszczynski, 2018;Yang, Zhong, Wu, Li, & Li, 2016), psychopathy (Onyedire et al, 2019), low self-esteem (Kaare, Mottus, & Konstabel, 2009), emotional distress (King, Abrams, & Wilkinson, 2010;Tang, Chua, & Wu, 2011), neuroticism (Tackett, Rodriguez, Rinker, & Neighbors, 2015), and parental gambling problems (King et al, 2010;Winters, Stinchfield, Botzet, & Anderson, 2002). Bishai (2004) found that emerging adults who have reached the legal age for gambling, including university students, have lower level of time preferences (i.e., a greater preference for present utility over future utility) than their older counterparts, which puts them at higher risk for addiction.…”

Alcohol use, psychiatric disorders and gambling behaviors: A multi-sample study testing causal relationships via the co-twin control design

“…Discussion of shared environmental risk factors is also warranted. Peer delinquency demonstrates associations with both alcohol use and gambling frequency (Barnes et al 1999;Caldeira et al 2017). Socioeconomic status and/or accessibility may also contribute to the environmental risk for alcohol use (Tobler et al 2009) and gambling behaviors (Marshall, 2007).…”