Table 1.

Comparison of DSM-5 gambling disorder and alcohol use disorder criteria

Construct	Gambling disorder	Alcohol use disorder
Tolerance	Gambles with more money in order to achieve the desired excitement	Using increasing amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or diminished effect when using the same amount of alcohol
Loss of control	Unsuccessful attempts to control, limit, or stop gambling	Desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down or control use Using larger amounts or over a longer period than intended
Withdrawal	Restlessness or irritability when trying to control gambling	Alcohol withdrawal symptoms or use of alcohol (or related substances) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
Negative consequences	Risked or lost a significant relationship, educational, or work-related opportunity because of gambling	Continued use despite social or interpersonal problems related to alcohol use Alcohol use leading to neglect of major role obligations at work, school, or home Gave up important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of alcohol use Continued use despite physical or psychological problems that are likely to have been caused or worsened by alcohol
Fixation	Preoccupation with gambling-related thoughts such as reliving past gambling experiences, planning future experiences, or strategizing ways to fund gambling behavior	Excessive time spent obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol Cravings, strong desire, or urges to use alcohol
Negative affect	Frequently gambles in response to negative affect
Chasing losses	Often follows gambling losses by returning another day to recoup money
Lying	Lies about gambling or gambling-related consequences
Bailouts	Depends on others for money to alleviate desperate financial situations caused by gambling
Hazardous situations		Recurrent use in physically hazardous situations

Abbreviation: DSM-5, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, fifth edition.