RIA Receives NIH Grant To Assist Partners Of Problem Gamblers

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Most people are ill-prepared to deal with the hardships brought on by a loved one's gambling problem. Researchers at the University at Buffalo's Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) have begun a new project funded by a $649,283 grant from the National Institutes of Health that is aimed at studying the stress these people may be experiencing and the ways they've tried to deal with it.

During the study, interviewers at RIA will talk with study participants about their loved one's gambling and what it's doing to their lives -- the financial repercussions, health consequences of stress, the burden of keeping secrets from friends and family. The project, in addition to possibly providing the participant some relief, also will offer information on where to seek help locally for the study participant and their loved one.

"Individuals living with a problem gambler often experience a high amount of stress and emotional strain as a result of problems arising from the gambling," says Robert Rychtarik, Ph.D., the scientist leading the research. "This study is concerned with systematically assessing these problems with the hope of eventually developing better ways of helping family members deal with them.

"Previous research has found high levels of depression and psychological distress among individuals with a problem-gambling partner," Rychtarik explained. "After repeated, frustrated efforts to cope with the situation, these individuals often end up experiencing much anger, anxiety and even physical pain, such as frequent headaches and intestinal distress. In addition, they may find themselves overeating or undereating, drinking or smoking more than usual in an effort to relieve distress."

Anyone interested in participating in the study, should call 887-2255, or 1-877-843-3328 outside the Buffalo area. Participants must be at least 18 years of age and currently married to or cohabiting with a problem gambler.