Insomnia and Gambling

by Jerry "Jet" Whittaker

March 03, 2006

Gambling is defined as any betting or wagering for self or others, whether for money or not, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or skill. Like alcohol and drug addicted people, compulsive gamblers also report of a withdrawal syndrome consisting of symptoms like restlessness, irritability, insomnia, anorexia, and numerous somatic complaints such as headaches and gastrointestinal upset. In addition to these, symptoms of depressions have also been reported upon stopping gambling.

Gambling as an Addiction:

Gambling can be addictive. Similar to drinking alcohol, gambling can be a social activity for many, but some people cross the line never to return again. An approximate 5 percent of the population consists of compulsive gamblers. Most experts also agree that somewhere between 10 to 15 percent of the people in treatment for substance addictions are also compulsive or pathological gamblers. Also, experts report that anywhere from 47 to 52 percent of the people who are pathological gamblers also complain of insomnia and alcohol- and substance-related disorders.

Compulsive Gambling:

The first bet to a compulsive or pathological gambler is like the first drink to an alcoholic. Sooner or later, he/ she will gamble out of control again. Compulsive gambling is marked by numerous failed attempts to engage in behavior in a controlled manner. Many compulsive gamblers report that although their gambling urge is sporadic, the intervals between binges of urges are not periods of constructive thinking. Symptoms displayed during these intervals include insomnia, irritability, frustration, nervousness, indecision and a breakdown in personal relationships.

Nalmefene for Insomnia and Gambling:

Nalmefene is being developed for the treatment of pathological gambling, an impulse control disorder. Nalmefene is an opioid antagonist and is used as an intravenous form for the reversal of opioid drug effects. The impulse control disorder category includes a number of serious conditions, including pathological gambling and insomnia. There is no approved therapy for any of this disorder. The University of Chicago’s 1999 Gambling Impact and Behavior Study has reported that in the United States, there are approximately 2.5 million pathological gamblers, 3 million problem gamblers and an additional 15 million people who are at-risk gamblers. In various tests, nalmefene was shown to be statistically superior to placebo in limiting gambling behavior and reducing the frequency and intensity of the urges and thoughts of gambling.

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