Association of impulsivity and methamphetamine use in the development of gambling disorders; a prospective, Single-center study.

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of pathological gambling among patients admitted to an Azerbaijan Narcology Centre who have been diagnosed with opioid and methamphetamine use disorders. The translated and adapted version of the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) was used for this assessment. In addition, the study investigated impulsivity in individuals with both pathological gambling and substance use disorder, utilizing the translated and adapted version of Barratt Impulsivity Scale, version 21 (BIS-21). The study analyzed the relationship between drug use, impulsivity, and the severity of gambling behavior. The results indicated a higher occurrence of pathological gambling in group of patients with methamphetamine use, in comparison with opioid use and control groups. These findings emphasize the necessity for comprehensive therapies that target both substance use and gambling addictions.