Sports have always been a part of the college experience and the thrill of playing or watching a big game is a rush familiar to most. But over the last few years with the increased accessibility of sports betting and cannabis on campus, we’re seeing an alarming trend of increased problem gambling behaviors particularly among young college men who are engaging in sports betting and cannabis use together.
We’re not going to pretend that college students weren’t using cannabis before it was legalized, but now that it is the rate of use has increased. Attitudes shift and laws change and was once a forbidden activity is a daily norm. Many students are drawn to cannabis with the promise of stress relief, to socialize with their peers, or just to try it out for fun. But repeated cannabis use, especially when used as a coping mechanism for stress release, can lead to a dangerous addiction cycle.
Sports betting has also found its place in college culture with March Madness brackets, fantasy teams for all sports and gambling websites and apps. The digital age has made betting platforms more accessible than ever, turning a casual pastime into a daily routine for many students. The quick wins, the excitement of a bet, the shared experiences with friends - all lead to a dopamine release that keeps them coming back for more. But when students begin losing money that they need or have borrowed they start to feel financial stress, have increased anxiety and their grades often also suffer, which adds more stress and pressure on their mental health.
Considering the stress and pressure of college expectations and the mental health challenges that occur with problem gambling and the increased number of students who are using cannabis as a coping mechanism, it shouldn’t be a surprise to learn that recent studies are revealing a connection between cannabis use and sports betting.
It’s a behavioral cycle that a student could easily convince themselves is a helpful one to manage their mental health, not realizing that they’ve created the perfect environment for a co-occurring compulsive behavior disorder.
Both sports betting and cannabis use can be downplayed as an escape from the challenges of student life, but they are often behaviors that are part of a wider pattern that could lead to or worsen gambling addiction.
Understanding the link between cannabis use and sports betting is just the beginning. If you're dealing with gambling addiction, understanding what drives these behaviors is a vital part of the recovery process. A holistic approach to gambling addiction treatment, looking at all aspects of addictive behaviors and providing personalized recovery strategies is essential for anyone who wants to truly break the cycle of addiction.
The relationship between cannabis use and sports betting in college students is complex, but it also presents opportunities for intervention and support. For those dealing with gambling addiction, recognizing what triggers addictive behavior is a crucial step on the road to recovery. Getting help early is critical to keep your college student in school and to stop the risks to themselves before things get more out of control.
At Algamus, we know firsthand the challenges of gambling addiction, and we're working hard to understand and support everyone on the journey to recovery. Contact us today and learn more about how we can help your college student break the cycle of cannabis use with sports betting.