Factors Leading to Substance Abuse, and Implications for Gambling in New Zealand

Abstract

While much is known about the development of substance abuse, very few studies have examined how social gambling progresses to problem gambling for some individuals. Patterns of development might be similar to the patterns leading to alcohol misuse. This paper briefly reviews the literature on the association between problem gambling and substance abuse. The cultural, sociodemographic, social and personal factors that contribute to the initiation and continuation of the use of addictive substances, including alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and illicit drugs, are examined, with special reference to two longitudinal New Zealand studies. A synopsis of the development of substance use, abuse and recovery is outlined. Questions regarding the implications for the changes from social to problem gambling and to recovery are presented. Possible key indicators of the changes are suggested.