Recent research conducted by New York’s University at Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions says that more Americans have gambling addictions than suffer from alcohol addictions, and it’s especially a problem to watch for among college-age students. The study strengthens findings from other research in concluding that once a person reaches 21 years old, their risk of developing compulsive or addictive gambling behaviors is greater than their risk of becoming an alcoholic.Funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, study researchers said in a University of Buffalo The Spectrum article that findings indicate gambling addiction starts when people are teens, and then hits its highest point when they are in the decades of their 20s or their 30s. Along with age, socioeconomic status is also a factor in the likelihood for gambling addiction. People living in lower-income areas or who live near a casino have a higher chance of developing addictive or compulsive gambling habits.

Even if a 20-something isn’t in college, their chances of developing problematic levels of alcohol consumption and gambling are higher than other age brackets, and researchers hope increased initiatives toward early intervention will help address the situation and prevent the loss of health, finances, family structure and other consequences related to gambling or alcohol addictions.