Adhd and Gambling | April 2024 Update

ADHD and Gambling: What You Need to Know

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects children and adults. People with ADHD often have difficulty paying attention, controlling their impulses, and hyperactivity. While ADHD can be managed with treatment, it can also lead to problems with gambling.

What is the Link Between ADHD and Gambling?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to the link between ADHD and gambling. These include:

• Dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is involved in reward and motivation. People with ADHD often have low levels of dopamine, which can lead them to seek out activities that provide a dopamine rush, such as gambling.
• Impulsivity. People with ADHD are often impulsive, which can lead them to make rash decisions, including gambling. They may also be more likely to chase losses, which can lead to financial problems.
• Risk-taking. People with ADHD are often more likely to take risks, which can also lead to gambling problems. They may be more likely to gamble on high-risk bets or to gamble for longer periods of time.

  What are the Signs of Gambling Problems in People with ADHD?

  People with ADHD who have gambling problems may experience the following signs:

• Increased gambling activity. They may start gambling more often or for longer periods of time.
• Chasing losses. They may try to win back money they have lost by gambling more.
• Financial problems. They may start to experience financial problems due to gambling.
• Relationship problems. Their gambling may start to cause problems in their relationships with family and friends.
• Legal problems. They may get into legal trouble due to gambling, such as getting arrested for gambling debts or for writing bad checks.

  How Can ADHD and Gambling Be Treated?

  Treatment for gambling problems in people with ADHD can include a combination of therapy, medication, and self-help strategies.

• Therapy. Therapy can help people with ADHD learn how to manage their impulsivity and risk-taking. It can also help them develop coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and boredom, which can be triggers for gambling.
• Medication. Medication can help to improve symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity. This can help people with ADHD to better control their gambling urges.
• Self-help strategies. There are a number of things people with ADHD can do to help themselves manage their gambling problems. These include:
• Setting limits on how much they gamble and how often they gamble.
• Avoiding situations where they are likely to gamble.
• Talking to a trusted friend or family member about their gambling problem.
• Seeking professional help for gambling problems.

  If You Think You Have a Gambling Problem, Here Are Some Resources:

• The National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
• The National Institute on Drug Abuse: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• The American Psychological Association: 1-800-374-2721
• The National Gambling Helpline: 1-800-522-4700

  Conclusion

  Gambling problems can be a serious issue for people with ADHD. However, there are a number of treatment options available that can help people to manage their gambling urges and to live healthy, fulfilling lives.