I spoke about a recent study in Minnesota (Stop Gambling with a pill?) that discussed the possible benefits of prescribing Naltrexone to compulsive gamblers. Now a story out posted on the South Africa Based Health24.com discusses another study using the anti-depressant medication Celexa may also be effective.
The study conducted by Brown University and sponsored by Forest Laboratories, the maker of Celexa, was presented to the National Institute for Mental Health's New Clinical Drug Evaluation Unit last week in Phoenix.
Apparently 13 of the 15 subjects tested reported less gambling urges, and lower losses over a 3 month period.
Here is the thing though for me. The subjects came into the study WITH A DESIRE TO STOP! So, with such small sampling, and over a relatively short time span (I know many problem gamblers who relapse immediately after 90 days) I cannot feel comfortable that this is the solution either. It could be the people were still feeling the pain of their most recent gambling. It could be they WANTED to believe this would work. The study even admits that tested persons were claiming a reduction in urges almost immediately when it takes several weeks for the medication to become effective.
At least the study author's are not making grandiose claims. Even they are not saying they are sure just how effective Celexa will be in combating gambling addiction.
I applaud the effort, really I do...but I wish somebody would just commit the time, resources, and money to do a comprehensive study. These studies will small focus groups and limited study periods do not impress me. I have seen to many gamblers relapse for a myriad of reasons long after remaining abstinent for longer than 90 days. Heck, the people in this study didn't even say they abstained, merely "reduced" their gambling.
John
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