American scientists have discovered that a drug used to treat alcoholics and drug addicts also works on pathological gamblers.

The drug is called naltrexone and is mainly used for the treatment of alcoholism although it is also used for cocaine addiction.

Scientists from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis conducted a study, testing the drug on pathological gamblers aged between 14 and 59.

58 people were given 50, 100 or 150 milligrams of naltrexone each day for up to 18 weeks.

Around 40 percent of the pathological gamblers tested managed to abstain from taking part in any form of gambling for at least a month after taking naltrexone.  

As well as testing naltrexone’s effects on pathological gamblers, a further 19 gambling addicts were given a placebo to see if this changed gambling behaviour.

The study concluded that naltrexone was far more effective in treating pathological addicts as just 10.5 percent of those who took the placebo managed to abstain from gambling for a month after taking their treatment.

The findings also showed that the people treated with naltrexone had fewer gambling urges and thoughts than those people who took the placebo.  They were also more able to resist their gambling urges.

The scientists believe naltrexone is safe and well-tolerated for around 4 – 5 months and helps control the symptoms of pathological gambling.

Problem gambling also known as ludomania is the urge to gamble regardless of negative consequences or a desire to stop.  Severe problem gambling is called pathological gambling and is characterised by difficulties limiting money and/or time spent on gambling with negative consequences for the gambler as well as others.

Pathological gambling is recognised as a psychiatric disorder that is a chronic as well as progressive mental illness.

Pathological gambling involves:

Frequent thoughts about gambling experiences in the past, future or fantasy where larger or more frequent wagers are required to maintain excitement.

Gambling to improve mood and restlessness or irritability with trying to give up or reduce gambling.

Attempting to win back gambling losses by gambling more.

Lying to hide how much you have gambled and stealing to finance a gambling addiction.

Illegal activity to gain cash for gambling or to repay gambling losses.  For example, theft, embezzlement, fraud, forgery or bad checks.

Continuing to gamble when you risk losing your relationship, job or other significant opportunity.

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