US Researchers Claim Gambling Addiction Can Be Treated With Meds

US researchers have conducted a study that shows that addiction medications could be a helpful tool in the treatment of problem gambling. The results of the study will be distributed at the annual meeting of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology.

The study was done on two groups of gamblers. The first group was driven by the urge to gamble. The other group was unable to control the impulse to gamble.

The medications that were given to the two groups were designed to increase inhibitions and decrease urges. The results of the study showed that medications that are commonly used to control addiction, were successful in changing the brain process of gamblers.

"By understanding these different subtypes, we are able to target the core biology of the illness with individualized treatment," said study author Dr. Jon Grant, Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota, "When we look at pathological gambling as an addiction and try to understand the sense of urge and inhibitions, we are able to target the treatment with medication more effectively."

Gambling addiction has become a hot topic among researchers in the US because of the recent boom in casino gambling. Many states have expanded their gambling options to help increase revenue for state budgets.

The increase in casinos has anti-gambling groups citing the dangers of problem gambling. Several states, however, have been proactive in their attempts to allot the proper funding to treatment programs.

December 11, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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