Across Mississippi and the U.S., more people are facing not just one addiction, but two—or more. An alarming combination drawing increasing attention is gambling and substance abuse. While gambling addiction has long flown under the radar, its strong connection to drug and alcohol use is now too significant to ignore.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we recognize how these two disorders often fuel each other in destructive cycles. Treating them together isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Understanding the Link Between Gambling and Substance Abuse
Both gambling and substance use hijack the brain’s reward system, especially dopamine and regions like the prefrontal cortex. The rush of winning or using a substance is followed by a crash—triggering a dangerous cycle of chasing highs.
Gambling disorder frequently co-occurs with substance use disorders. One clinical review found that the two addictions often stem from shared risk factors like impulsivity, trauma exposure, and dysregulated stress responses, and that they frequently overlap in presentation and treatment needs: researchers found that the presence of one increases the likelihood of the other.
Shared Risk Factors Include:
- Impulse-control difficulties
- High levels of stress or trauma
- Co-occurring mental health conditions (e.g., depression or anxiety)
- Family history of addiction
- Easy access to both gambling and substances
In Mississippi, where legal gambling and substance use challenges often overlap, the co-occurrence of these conditions is not uncommon.
Why These Disorders Reinforce Each Other
The relationship between gambling and substance abuse is often cyclical and mutually reinforcing. For example, someone might start using alcohol or stimulants during gambling sessions to enhance focus or suppress anxiety. Conversely, gambling might become a way to escape emotional fallout from substance use.
This creates a dangerous loop:
- Substance use reduces inhibitions, increasing risk-taking in gambling.
- Gambling losses create stress, driving further drug or alcohol use.
- Withdrawal from either addiction amplifies cravings for the other.
Breaking this loop requires a treatment approach that targets both addictions simultaneously.
Recognizing the Signs
When someone is struggling with both gambling and substance abuse, the warning signs can be complex. Some key indicators include:
- Gambling despite serious consequences (financial, legal, or personal)
- Using drugs or alcohol to cope with gambling losses
- Lying about the extent of gambling or substance use
- Neglecting responsibilities at home, school, or work
- Borrowing or stealing money to fund either addiction
- Mood swings, irritability, or signs of depression or anxiety
- Physical withdrawal symptoms or increased tolerance
These behaviors often develop gradually, and many individuals hide their struggles out of fear or shame.
The Situation in Mississippi
Mississippi’s gambling economy—especially along the Gulf Coast—combined with its ongoing public health battles around opioid use and alcohol abuse, has created a high-risk environment. Legal access to casinos and online betting makes gambling readily available, while systemic gaps in mental health and addiction treatment continue to affect many communities.
For individuals already battling substance use, the temptation or habit of gambling can easily escalate into a second addiction. Sadly, few realize that treatment centers like Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center offer support for both.
Treatment for Gambling and Substance Abuse
Co-occurring addictions require integrated, dual-diagnosis care that treats the person—not just the symptoms. At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we take a whole-person approach to recovery.
1. Comprehensive Assessment
Our clinical team begins by identifying both gambling behaviors and substance use patterns, ensuring that treatment is tailored to the individual’s full experience.
2. Evidence-Based Therapy
We use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and trauma-informed care to address the underlying drivers of addictive behavior and help clients develop healthier coping strategies.
3. Peer and Group Support
Clients benefit from access to peer groups like Gamblers Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and 12-step-based support for substance use—each providing structure, accountability, and community.
4. Life Skills and Relapse Prevention
Our programs teach practical skills to navigate high-risk situations and rebuild stability. This includes financial counseling, communication skills, and life coaching to support long-term goal setting.
5. Family Involvement
Addiction affects families, not just individuals. We offer family therapy and education to help loved ones understand the nature of both gambling and substance abuse and how they can offer support without enabling.
Breaking the Stigma
Behavioral addictions like gambling are often misunderstood. Some may view them as moral failings or simply “bad habits.” But clinical research and brain imaging studies show that gambling affects the brain in the same way as substance use—producing cravings, withdrawals, and compulsive behavior.
When both gambling and substance abuse are present, shame and stigma can be even more intense. At MSDATC, we provide a judgment-free environment where people can heal with dignity.
Find Help Today
If you or someone you love is struggling with gambling and substance abuse, know that help is available. You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart.
At Mississippi Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center, we specialize in treating complex, co-occurring disorders with compassion, evidence-based care, and long-term support.Take the first step—connect today. Your path to healing begins now.
Signs of Addiction That Often Go Unnoticed