Alcohol and gambling addiction can seem very different, but they often affect the same people. Many individuals who struggle with one also face challenges with the other. When alcohol use and gambling problems happen together, recovery can be more complicated.
Understanding how these two forms of addiction are connected is important for anyone seeking information about substance use or behavioral health. This article explains what each addiction involves, how they can overlap, and what it means when someone experiences both at the same time. At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we specialize in treating these co-occurring disorders with evidence-based approaches tailored to each person’s needs.
Understanding Alcohol and Gambling Addiction
Alcohol use disorder happens when someone finds it difficult to control or stop drinking, even when it creates problems at home, work, or with their health. Gambling addiction, also called gambling disorder, is a behavioral condition where someone feels a strong urge to gamble despite negative consequences like financial loss or relationship issues.
These two addictions show up together more often than you might expect. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that about 73% of people with gambling problems also struggle with alcohol issues. Both conditions involve changes in how the brain processes rewards and impulses, which explains why they frequently occur together.
When someone has both alcohol use disorder and gambling addiction at the same time, it’s called a “dual diagnosis” or “co-occurring disorder.” These terms mean that two or more mental health or addiction issues are present together, making treatment and recovery more complex.
Why Alcohol and Gambling Addiction Can Happen Together
Alcohol and gambling addiction share common risk factors that help explain why they often occur in the same person. Understanding these connections can shed light on why treating both together is more effective than addressing them separately.
Family history plays a significant role in both addictions. Studies show that about 64% of the co-occurrence between gambling and alcohol use disorders can be linked to shared genetic factors. Genes affecting brain chemicals like dopamine influence the reward system, which is central to both types of addiction.
Both alcohol and gambling trigger the release of dopamine in the brain’s reward center. This creates feelings of pleasure and reinforces the behavior, making it more likely to happen again. Over time, the brain adapts and requires more of the substance or behavior to achieve the same feeling.
Depression disorders, anxiety disorders, and trauma frequently contribute to both alcohol and gambling problems. People may use alcohol or gambling as ways to cope with difficult emotions or escape from stress. Up to 50% of people with a gambling disorder also experience depression or anxiety disorders.
How Alcohol Can Fuel Problem Gambling
Alcohol directly affects the part of the brain responsible for decision-making and impulse control. When someone drinks, their ability to think through consequences or recognize risky decisions becomes impaired. This is why people often make choices while drinking that they wouldn’t make when sober.
Research shows that people who drink while gambling tend to place larger bets and take bigger risks. Alcohol reduces the anxiety and caution that might normally limit gambling behavior. It also makes it easier to ignore warning signs, such as mounting losses or spending beyond one’s means.
This creates a dangerous cycle where alcohol lowers inhibitions, leading to more gambling, which then creates stress and problems that may drive more drinking. The combination amplifies the negative effects of both behaviors.
Signs of Dual Addiction
Recognizing the warning signs of both alcohol and gambling addiction can help identify when professional help might be beneficial. These signs often overlap and reinforce each other:
Behavioral changes include:
- Secrecy: Hiding drinking or gambling activities from family and friends
- Time management issues: Spending increasing amounts of time drinking or gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations
Financial problems include:
- Unexplained expenses: Money disappearing without clear explanations
- Borrowing frequently: Asking friends or family for money repeatedly
- Selling possessions: Getting rid of valuable items to fund drinking or gambling
Emotional symptoms include:
- Mood swings: Dramatic changes in mood, especially related to wins, losses, or access to alcohol
- Anxiety and depression: Persistent feelings of worry, sadness, or hopelessness
- Irritability: Becoming easily frustrated, especially when unable to drink or gamble
Treatment Approaches for Dual Addiction
Effective alcohol addiction treatment for co-occurring alcohol and gambling addiction addresses both conditions simultaneously. This integrated approach recognizes that treating only one addiction while ignoring the other often leads to relapse.
For people with severe alcohol dependence, medically supervised detox provides safe withdrawal management. This process typically lasts several days to a week and helps stabilize someone physically before beginning other treatments.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps people identify and change thought patterns that drive harmful behaviors. This approach teaches practical skills for managing triggers and developing healthier coping strategies for both alcohol and gambling urges.
Peer support through groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous provides ongoing encouragement and accountability. These groups offer a community of people with similar experiences who understand the challenges of recovery.
Treatment may also include activities like mindfulness training, exercise programs, and stress management techniques. These methods support overall well-being and help build healthy routines that replace addictive behaviors.
How to Prevent Drug-Induced Paranoia
Recovery from dual addiction requires ongoing attention and the development of new habits and coping strategies. Relapse prevention focuses on identifying and managing situations that might trigger a return to drinking or gambling.
Common triggers include stress, certain social situations, financial problems, or even positive emotions, such as celebrating. Learning to recognize these triggers early allows for better preparation and response.
Maintaining connections with supportive family, friends, therapists, or support group members creates a safety net during difficult times. Regular check-ins and honest communication help maintain accountability.
Healthy alternatives to drinking and gambling might include exercise, hobbies, meditation practice, or spending time with supportive people. These activities provide positive ways to manage stress and emotions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol and Gambling Addiction
Research shows that continuing to gamble while addressing alcohol addiction often makes recovery more difficult. The two behaviors share similar brain pathways and triggers, so addressing both together typically leads to better long-term outcomes.
Treatment length varies depending on individual circumstances, but most comprehensive programs range from 30 to 90 days for initial treatment, followed by ongoing aftercare support. Recovery is a long-term process that often requires continued attention and support.
Dual addiction treatment recognizes the interconnected nature of alcohol and gambling problems. Instead of addressing each issue in isolation, integrated treatment tackles the underlying factors that contribute to both addictions simultaneously, leading to more effective outcomes.
Get Support for Addiction at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery
The connection between alcohol and gambling addiction runs deep, involving shared genetic factors, brain chemistry, and environmental influences. When both conditions are present, they often reinforce each other, creating complex challenges that affect physical health, relationships, and financial stability.
Recovery from co-occurring alcohol and gambling addiction is possible with appropriate treatment and support. Integrated approaches that address both conditions simultaneously have shown better outcomes than treating each addiction separately. The journey involves developing new coping strategies, building supportive relationships, and creating healthy routines that support long-term recovery.
At Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery, we understand the complex relationship between alcohol and gambling addiction. Our comprehensive treatment programs address both conditions through evidence-based therapies, holistic approaches, and ongoing support. If you or someone you care about is struggling with these co-occurring disorders, professional help can make a significant difference in achieving lasting recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our specialized dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
