The Substance-Related Abuse and Dependence category was relabeled Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It was modified to include two subdivisions: substance-related disorders and non-substance-related disorders. The latter are defined as addictive disorders that do not involve the ingestion of a psychoactive substance. Non-substance-related disorders are called behavioural or process addictions; these involve compulsive behaviours not linked to substance use. Note that there is no consensus yet on what to include in this type of addiction.
Currently, gambling disorder is the only behavioural addiction officially recognized in this category. While other behaviours such as internet gaming, shopping, and pornography use are being researched, they have not yet met the criteria for inclusion. The Text Revision of DSM-5 (DSM-5-TR, released in 2022) did not introduce new behavioural addictions but provided updated language, prevalence data, and clarifications across many disorders. For gambling disorder, the DSM-5-TR may include updated statistics, diagnostic criteria clarifications, or expanded clinical guidance, but it did not add new non-substance addictions to the manual.
ON THIS PAGE:
Key Learnings or Messages | Prevalence & Trends | Continuum of Online Gambling | Intervention & Treatment | Case Study | Screening & Assessment Tools | Service Provider Resources
Research shows that the younger individuals begin to gamble, the more likely they are to develop a gambling problem. Children and youth gambling in parallel with gaming. There is an intersection between gaming and gambling in terms of: interactivity, monetization, betting and wagering, types of outcomes, structural fidelity, context and centrality of content, as well as advertising. As there is often an overlap between these behaviours, practitioners may want to inquire about other possible addictive or problematic online activities such as social networking, excessive use of platforms, applications or programs, cyberbullying, online pornography and any other use of digital technology, when providing services to children and youth with problem gambling. Service providers should screen for co-occurring digital behaviors when supporting youth with gambling issues.
Most children and youth may gamble with no immediate harm. But for some, gambling becomes a problem when it negatively interferes with their lives, such as missing school or work, having arguments with family or friends, or worrying about lost money. Gambling problems can range from minor to significant issues.
Currently most treatments for problem gambling serve the adult population, there are services that focus on prevention and clinical strategies recommended for children, youth and their families to help them with problematic gambling. It is important to build rapport, connect with children and youth, gather the necessary information, and allow the client to identify their strengths, supports and resources. When appropriate, use screening and assessment tools to determine problematic use, along with evidence-based treatments, including family-centred and trauma-informed care approaches, motivational interviewing and addiction counselling. All interventions should be developmentally appropriate and tailored to the client’s individual, cultural, and contextual needs.
The clinical description portrayed is fictional. Any resemblance with real cases is purely coincidental.
There are assessment and screening tools available to support services providers in prevention and clinical treatments. Even though the outcome of an assessment is not determinative in providing a diagnosis, a comprehensive evaluation may be useful to offer feedback to the client. After every screening and assessment, ensure that the results are discussed with the clients, so they can be involved and have an active participation in their recovery process. Service providers must constantly reflect on their own beliefs, values and biases around gambling. Therefore, it is important for practitioners to develop skills and to set aside personal beliefs to complete a broad screening and assessment that will provide insight on problem gambling in children, youth and families.
This section contains educational resources and recommendations for service providers to increase their knowledge and skills for their practice and to engage in discussions with families about gambling.
