Practitioners’ perspectives on addressing gambling harms within substance use services in North East England

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Author(s): Richardson, Andrew ; Thomson, Katie H. ; Smith, Glyn ; Sheridan, Laura ; Beadle, Alice ; Spencer, Liam ; Kaner, Eileen

Journal: International Gambling Studies

Year Published: 2026

Date Added: October 13, 2026

Gambling and substance use disorders often co-occur. Professionals who work in drug and alcohol treatment services have a unique opportunity to identify clients who are also dealing with gambling harms. However, little is known about the barriers they face for identifying and referring these clients to gambling-focused treatment. This study explored barriers for addressing gambling harms among professionals working in drug and alcohol treatment services in the North East of England. A total of 34 participants were interviewed. The researchers identified five themes: lack of training or awareness increases the hidden harm, stigma is a barrier, gambling is not a priority for management, treating gambling harms is not part of the mandate, and not asking about gambling means that no one receives help.

Citation: Richardson, A., Thomson, K. H., Smith, G., Sheridan, L., Beadle, A., Spencer, L., & Kaner, E. (2026). Practitioner perspectives on addressing gambling harms within substance misuse services: A qualitative study in the North East of England. International Gambling Studies. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2026.2696244

Article DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/14459795.2026.2696244

Keywords: gambling harm ; problematic substance use ; public health ; substance use

Topics: Comorbidities ; Public Health ; Substance Use

Conceptual Framework Factors: Psychological - Comorbid Disorders ; Resources - Harm Reduction, Prevention, and Protection

Study Design: Descriptive: Qualitative

Geographic Coverage: United Kingdom

Study Population: A total of 34 professionals working in alcohol and drug use services completed the study. Eligibility criteria included being 18 years or over, being a resident or working in the North East of England, and having a professional connection with a substance use service.

Sampling Procedure: Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and snowball sampling. Employees of two substance use agencies helped with referring potential participants. The study was advertised through emails across multiple regional and local authority networks, including the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH), North East Gambling-Related Harms Network, and the ADPH North East Drug and Alcohol network.

Study Funding:

Funding for this study came from the Association of Directors of Public Health (ADPH) North East.