Gambling-Related Problems: Sentinel for Substance use among Adolescents? - Abstract
A secondary analysis of data collected as part of the Massachusetts Youth Risk Behavior Survey was conducted to examine the association between gambling-related problems and the early onset of substance use among adolescents in grades 9-12. High school students who reported having many problems with family, school or job because of gambling were consistently more likely to report involvement at an early age (age 8 or earlier) in substance use behaviors known to be associated with high levels of morbidity and mortality, than students who reported some problems due to gambling, who were more likely to report early involvement than students who did not report problems due to gambling. The value of problem gambling as a potential sentinel marker for substance use behaviors is discussed in terms of screening adolescents in general practice settings.