Relapse in the pathological gambling: a study of the associated situations

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to determine the variables associated to relapse in a sample of 21 slotmachine pathological gamblers within a one year follow-up period. In this period there were a total of 35 relapse episodes. Results indicated that the most of relapses are observed in the first three months after treatment. The main reasons of relapse, in a hierarchic order, were the following ones: inadequate money management, negative emotional states, alcohol consumption, craving and social pressure. Implications of this study for clinical practice and future research in this field are commented upon.