The role of recovery capital in overcoming gambling addiction: A Nevada-based case study

Session Title

Session 2-1-A: Recovery from Problem Gambling

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Location

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

Start Date

24-5-2023 9:00 AM

End Date

24-5-2023 10:30 AM

Disciplines

Sociology

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of recovery capital (RC) in people who were in long-term recovery from gambling disorder in the state of Nevada, analyzing the elements that helped participants maintain their recovery. We conducted 40 interviews with individuals who finished a professional problem gambling treatment program a year or longer prior to the interview date and who defined their recovery as successful. Our findings reveal that all three categories of RC (personal, family/social, and community) contribute significantly to participants’ maintaining their long-term goals and that it is fundamental to comprehend individuals’ needs in terms of self-accountability. Moreover, aspects such as family ties and supportive friends play a key role in trigger management. Similarly, participants’ clinical and aftercare experiences influence their ability to control their gambling urges and behaviors. Finally, it emerged that the COVID-19 pandemic affected interviewees’ recovery in different ways. While some declared that the statewide casino closures helped them not to gamble, others perceived the opening of casinos after the closures as a trigger.

Implication statement: Our findings support the need for longitudinal studies of persons in recovery and suggest policies should seek to strengthen these forms RC during and beyond the course of treatment for problem gambling.

Keywords

recovery capital, gambling, problem gambling, gambling disorder, Nevada, qualitative research

Author Bios

Marta Soligo, Ph.D., teaches Sociology of Leisure at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and is a Visiting Professor of Sociology of Tourism at the Università di Bergamo (Italy). Her postdoctoral work, conducted between 2021 and 2022, centered on problem gambling. Her recent interests analyze key topics in today’s travel market, like sustainable development, popular culture, and the post-pandemic recovery. She has presented her works at several conferences by professional associations and international institutions.

Andrea Dassopoulos is an applied sociologist who focuses on providing research-based solutions to social problems. She is the project manager for the Nevada Problem Gambling Study at UNLV’s International Gaming Institute.

Funding Sources

Nevada Department of Health and Human Services

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May 24th, 9:00 AM May 24th, 10:30 AM

The role of recovery capital in overcoming gambling addiction: A Nevada-based case study

Park MGM, Las Vegas, NV

The purpose of this study was to understand the role of recovery capital (RC) in people who were in long-term recovery from gambling disorder in the state of Nevada, analyzing the elements that helped participants maintain their recovery. We conducted 40 interviews with individuals who finished a professional problem gambling treatment program a year or longer prior to the interview date and who defined their recovery as successful. Our findings reveal that all three categories of RC (personal, family/social, and community) contribute significantly to participants’ maintaining their long-term goals and that it is fundamental to comprehend individuals’ needs in terms of self-accountability. Moreover, aspects such as family ties and supportive friends play a key role in trigger management. Similarly, participants’ clinical and aftercare experiences influence their ability to control their gambling urges and behaviors. Finally, it emerged that the COVID-19 pandemic affected interviewees’ recovery in different ways. While some declared that the statewide casino closures helped them not to gamble, others perceived the opening of casinos after the closures as a trigger.

Implication statement: Our findings support the need for longitudinal studies of persons in recovery and suggest policies should seek to strengthen these forms RC during and beyond the course of treatment for problem gambling.