THE INCIDENCE OF PATHOLOGICAL GAMBLING AMONG NATIVE-AMERICANS TREATEDFOR ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE

The prevalence rate of potential and pathological gambling was examine d among Native American and Caucasian patients (n = 85) being treated for alcohol dependence. Previous studies with alcohol-dependent (mainl y Caucasian) populations revealed 10-15% to have gambling problems. Th is study, the first to measure pathological gambling among a Native Am erican population, utilized the South Oaks Gambling Screen and was adm inistered in a group setting, between 1/91 and 4/91 on the alcohol tre atment ward of the Ft. Meade Veterans Administration Hospital. Results showed that 22% of the Native Americans studied (compared to 7.3% Cau casian), scored in a range indicating a probable pathological gambling addiction. Furthermore, 41% of the Native Americans studied (compared to 21.3% Caucasian) admitted to some difficulty with gambling. Educat ion and treatment is encouraged to help stem projected radical increas es in pathological gambling and related problems among this cultural g roup as Native American gambling becomes widespread.