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Substance Use and Gambling Disorders
A substance use disorder (SUD) is an addictive disorder that develops when someone keeps using a substance, even though it causes significant problems in their life. The following could lead to a SUD:
A gambling disorder, also known as problem, pathological, or compulsive gambling, is an addictive disorder where a person repeatedly gambles despite negative consequences, such as harm to their relationships, job, or finances. Gambling involves risking something of value, like money, on a game or event with an uncertain outcome.
Did You Know?
Substance use disorder and gambling disorder mirror each other with features like impaired self-control, cravings, tolerance (needing more), and withdrawal symptoms (feeling distressed when stopping) - and symptoms can be mild or very serious. People with gambling disorder often have higher rates of alcohol or drug misuse, and vice versa, with significant overlap between the conditions.
Substance use and gambling disorders are long-term problems that affect how the brain works, changing how people think and act. These addictive disorders make it hard for someone to stop using substances or gambling, even when it causes serious problems. They are also called brain diseases because they change how the brain looks and functions, leading to harmful behaviors. Substance use and gambling disorders can hurt the person or others in different ways - like causing problems at home, school, or with friends.
Critical facts about addictive disorders:
- They are progressive, meaning they will get worse
- They are chronic, meaning there is no cure, but they can be successfully managed
- They are potentially fatal
Three stages of addictive disorders:
- Binge/Intoxication: This is when someone uses a substance or gambles and feels its good effects.
- Withdrawal/Negative Affect: This is when a person feels bad or sad when they don’t have the substance or gamble.
- Preoccupation/Anticipation: This is when someone starts looking for the substance or gambling again after not doing it for a while.
Get help with prevention or overcoming Opioid Use Disorder (OUD), including local recovery resources, information on safe disposal and storage of drugs, and a guide to opioid alternatives.
Self-Screening Tools
Where to Find Help
Substance use and gambling disorder services are available across the state from local regional human service districts/authorities. The districts/authorities offer help for people living with substance use and gambling disorders as well as support for their families, friends, and communities. In addition, substance use services are provided through the Medicaid Healthy Louisiana plans. For more information about services, contact your health plan provider.
Some people are given priority for admission into treatment services: pregnant women who inject drugs, other pregnant women who abuse substances, and others who inject drugs. For these groups, districts and authorities aim to provide substance use treatment services with no or a minimal waiting period. If care is not available to these priority populations within 48 hours, the districts and authorities will provide interim treatment services as appropriate.
Prevention Services
Prevention services are provided within each district and authority throughout the state to decrease and prevent substance use, misuse, and abuse. Prevention resources are also available to address gambling. Our services are family-focused, evidence-based, and outcome-driven. Prevention strategies are directed at individuals not identified as needing treatment and provide activities and services in a variety of school-based and community settings. These services target the general population as well as others who are at a higher risk for developing substance use and gambling disorders.
What services are available?
Substance Use and Gambling Disorder Services
- Promote coping skills and manage symptoms/behaviors
- Help individuals achieve recovery
- Address major lifestyle, attitudinal, and behavioral problems that may be barriers to the goals of treatment
Treatment Services
- Outpatient
- Intensive outpatient
- Residential
- Inpatient
Resources
Treatment Provider Locator
Atlas is a resource to help people find addiction treatment that will meet their needs. Visit TreatmentAtlas.org to find substance use disorder treatment in your area.
Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline
If you or a loved one needs help for issues related to gambling, you can call the Louisiana Problem Gamblers Helpline at 877-770-7867. The helpline is open 24/7 and answered by trained specialists. These services are free for Louisiana residents through the regional human service districts/authorities.
Louisiana 988 Helpline
Louisiana 988 provides free and confidential emotional support, 24/7 — whether you are experiencing issues around anxiety, depression, alcohol or drugs, thoughts of suicide, or anything in between. Call or text 988 or visit Louisiana988.org.
Residential Care for Women, Pregnant Women, and Women with Dependent Children
The Office of Behavioral Health works with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) to offer treatment for women, including those who are pregnant and/or have dependent children, who struggle with substance use. These services are for women who are eligible for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through DCFS and have a substance use disorder or are at risk of relapse. The programs provide a safe place for mothers and their children to stay while receiving care. Services include assessments, individual and family counseling, trauma support, drug education, relapse prevention, and case coordination. The goal is to help families regain stability and improve their well-being.
Recovery Homes
Oxford House is a community-based recovery-housing model for people recovering from substance use disorder. These homes offer a sober living environment and are self-run and self-supported. Oxford Houses are democratically operated, meaning the residents make decisions together. Each house can have six to 12 residents, and there are homes for men, women, women with children, and men with children. This community-based approach is a low-cost and effective way to help prevent relapse. For a list of available Oxford House vacancies, visit oxfordvacancies.com.
Contact
For more information, contact the Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) at 225-342-2540.
For help, call the Louisiana Substance Use Helpline at 877-664-2248.