Gambling disorder is associated with an increased risk of suicide. Gambling disorder frequently co-occurs with substance use disorders. The presence of a substance use disorder may increase the risk of suicide in people with gambling disorder. Using the Swedish nationwide patient register, the researchers examined if substance use disorders increased the risk of suicide among people with a diagnosis of gambling disorder. A total of 407 (19%) people reported a suicide attempt and 10 people died from suicide.
Half of the patients with both alcohol and drug use disorders had attempted suicide during the study period from 2005 to 2016. In patients with a drug use disorder, 36% had attempted suicide. In patients with alcohol use disorder, 20% reported a suicide attempt. In patients with just gambling disorder, the rate of suicide attempt was 10%. After taking into consideration age, gender, and other mental health disorders, having a co-occurring substance use disorder remained a significant predictor of suicide attempts. This research speaks to the importance of screening for substance use disorders in gambling treatment centers.
