Characteristics of Tobacco-Smoking Problem
Gamblers Calling a Gambling Helpline

Marc N. Potenza
Marvin A. Steinberg
Susan D. McLaughlin
Ran Wu
Bruce J. Rounsaville
Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin
Tony P. George
Stephanie S. O'Malley

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ABSTRACT
Few studies have examined the smoking behaviors of problem gamblers. A high proportion of problem gamblers calling a gambling helpline reported daily tobacco smoking (43.1%). Problem gamblers reporting daily tobacco smoking more frequently acknowledged depression and suicidality secondary to gambling, gambling-related arrests, alcohol and drug use problems, mental health treatment, and problems with casino slot machine gambling. The findings substantiate the relationship in problem gamblers between tobacco smoking and psychiatric symptomatology, particularly other substance use problems. The high proportion of callers reporting daily tobacco smoking highlights the need for enhanced smoking cessation efforts in problem gamblers.

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The American Journal on Addictions 13:471-493, 2004
Received September 6, 2002; revised November 26, 2002; accepted February 10, 2003. From the Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Have, Conn. (Drs. Potenza, Rounsaville, Krishnan-Sarin, George and O'Malley and Ms. wu); the Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling, Guilford, Conn. (Dr. Steinberg); and Problem Gambling Services, Middletown, Conn. (Ms. McLaughlin). Address correspondence to Dr. Potenza, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, Connecticut Mental Health Center, RoomS-104, 34 Park Street, New Haven, CT 06519; Tel: (203) 974-7365; Fax: (203) 974-7366; e-mail: marc.potenza@yale.edu.

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