The Hidden Battle: Veterans & Problem Gambling

Veterans’ struggles rarely end when their service does. Often it’s the beginning of new hurdles brought on by the rigors of a military career. While we’re grateful for the privileges won by these sacrifices, there’s a lot more we can do to aid veterans.

U.S. military service is actually one of the factors associated with increased risk of problem gambling (PG). Being a male and having mental health issues like depression or PTSD are yet two additional risk factors, meaning veterans are some of the highest risk members of society for falling into PG. The same studies also acknowledge several barriers to veterans getting the help they need.

“Problem Gambling in veterans is heavily associated with suicidal thoughts and ideation”

The first is a lack of screening for this disorder. Many counseling centers and mental health professionals don’t offer specialized screenings or treatment options for PG. Comorbidities such as mood disorders or alcoholism may jump to the forefront, keeping the gambling issue stubbornly hidden away.

Even if more providers did have specific screenings, an underwhelming 11% of veterans are estimated to seek professional help at all—a number that’s likely much lower for active-duty servicemembers given their reluctance for it to affect their military career. As shocking as this is, it’s even more surprising when one considers only ⅓ of those struggling with PG ever achieve natural recovery. Of those who do, the median time of recovery is 19 years.

When veterans are found to have a gambling disorder, an even darker reality comes to light. Problem Gambling in veterans is heavily associated with suicidal thoughts and ideation. This concurrence is so strong, it should be taken as a flashing warning light to loved ones and medical professionals at the first signs.

Many issues face our servicemembers and veterans, which can make gambling seem like a drop in the bucket. But it’s an important sign of deeper issues and is severely under-resourced. Its growing prevalence highlights the need for breaking the stigma surrounding problem gambling, increasing the prevalence of specialized screenings and treatments, creating aftercare programs, and being there as communities to support our veterans in need. 

For immediate help with PG, call 1-800-GAMBLER or contact help@arpgcouncil.org.

Sources:
https://nyproblemgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/GamblingProblemsInUSMilitaryVeterans.pdf
https://news.va.gov/55375/va-releases-new-findings-problem-gambling/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37055278/