Nasal Spray To Treat Gambling Addiction? New Research Underway In FinlandFinnish Scientists To Ascertain Merits Of Treatment |
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A year-long study is underway in Finland to determine if a nasal spray could provide instant relief to problem gamblers.
According to a report from the Guardian, Finnish researchers are testing a nasal spray that is used as an emergency treatment for opiate overdoses. The spray contains the drug naloxone, which is touted for being fast-acting. It’s believed to be the first study of its kind to see if the spray could be used effectively on individuals with a gambling addiction.
“The spray goes to the brain in a few minutes so it’s very useful for a gambler…if you crave gambling, just take the spray,” said Hannu Alho, professor of addiction medicine at the Helsinki-based national institute for health and welfare.
“Gambling is a very impulsive behaviour," Alho continued, “the need to gamble starts right away. For this reason we are seeking a medication with a quick effect.”
Naloxone was approved in 2015 by the U.S. FDA for opiate treatment.
If found to work on gamblers, Naloxone could help people in Finland. An estimated 2.7 percent of Finns 15-74 have a gambling problem, according to the report. It’s also been estimated that as many as 80 percent of Finns gamble at least once a year.
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