The Brief Addiction Science Information Source (BASIS)

The WAGER Vol. 9(17) - Why half empty might be better

The propensity to see the glass as half full can be an advantageous trait: optimism has been linked to benefits in both mental and physical health (e.g., Bromberger & Mathews, 1996; Scheier & Carver, 1985; Schultz et al., 1996). However, when positive expectancies are unwarranted, it might be better to adopt a more pessimistic view of the situation. In the case of gambling, statistics favor the house and over time it will almost always win. An optimistic gambler might remain at the table, convinced that the next hand will be a big winner; a gambler who sees the glass as... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 9(16) - Regional Index of Gambling Exposure – An Acid Test

Early last week, officials discovered that a train car parked near a Boston subway station was leaking hydrochloric acid. A hazardous materials response team was quickly called in to assess the situation and determine the potential exposure of neighborhood residents and commuters to the dangerous toxin (Associated Press, 2004). To measure exposure, officials need to gather information about dose (e.g., how much of the hydrochloric acid was leaking), potency (e.g., the acid’s concentration), and duration (e.g., how long the acid had been leaking). The idea of environmental exposure, used commonly in public health fields, also can be applied to the... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 9(15) - Medicating the Elderly: Pharmacotherapy and Older Gamblers

Several recent WAGERs (e.g., WAGERs 8(37), 8(21)) have highlighted advances in the pharmacological treatment of addictive behaviors. Whereas existing studies generally focus on a wide population base, fewer studies have examined the usefulness of pharmacotherapy among specific groups of problem gamblers. In an effort to address the paucity of research in this area, Grant and Grosz (2004) recently conducted the first assessment of pharmacological response among older problem gamblers. This week’s WAGER examines the results of this preliminary study. Grant and Grosz (2004) studied 14 (6 female) consecutive patients aged 60 or older who presented for outpatient pathological gambling treatment... Read more →

The WAGER Vol. 9(14) - Gambling Superstitions: No dogs near the gambling table and keep your horny toad close

Superstitions are so common that even the most diehard realists sometimes fall prey to believing them. It is well known that famous athletes have their beliefs: Michael Jordan led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA Championships wearing his “lucky” college gym shorts underneath his uniform. Golfer Tiger Woods supposedly believes that the color red is lucky for him (Superstitions run rampant, 2004). Gambling, in particular, has long been associated with all kinds of superstitions, for example: (1) A throw of two ones in dice is called Snake Eyes, a reference to the devil who presented himself to Eve in that... Read more →