Gambling is a pastime enjoyed by millions of people around the globe, and it is an entertainment form with deep roots in many cultures, one whose popularity has recently grown like wildfire in the digital sphere. Much of that phenomenon stems from it being less taboo than ever, something that is a byproduct of its massive availability, and the fact it has now entered the mainstream consciousness thanks to a booming tech industry and high-profile sponsorship agreements struck between gambling operators on one end, and actors, athletes, and other celebrity types on the other.
Amidst this growing number of people participating in games of chance and betting on sports for monetary gain, concerns have arisen about the possibility of many getting addicted to these pastimes, given that more individuals than ever are now enjoying them. Moreover, discussions have arisen about what parts of the population are most vulnerable to succumbing to the temptation to gamble more than they should or more than they can afford to lose.
Individuals suffering from ADHD, Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, have been named as potentially most in jeopardy of falling prey to the hazards gambling brings. For those unfamiliar with ADHD, this is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impulsivity, hyperactivity, a lack of attention, and emotional dysregulation. In the following subheadings, we analyze these people’s susceptibility to gambling too much with data produced by university-level research.
The Relationship Between Problem Gambling & ADHD
Per various scientific probes, including a much-publicized one published in the Journal of Gambling Studies in 2016, those struggling with ADHD show a higher rate of interest in gambling and are more likely to experience many of the problems of overindulging in these activities. That claim stems from a study involving two hundred and fourteen adult gamblers, one hundred and fifty-four of which were male, who decided to seek treatment for their addiction to gaming in Melbourne, Australia. Almost 25% of the participants displayed ADHD-related symptoms. The researchers also concluded that a high portion of problem gamblers who ask for help to get over these issues have cluster B personality traits, meaning they display antisocial and narcissistic behavior and can be emotionally volatile, on top of super impulsive.
Another similar examination into this topic was published in January 2024 in the 128th Volume on Comprehensive Psychiatry, which details the results of a one hundred and seventy-patient longitudinal study on how cognitive behavior therapy can help those suffering from problem gambling. That investigation reported that ADHD sufferers are more prone to relapse after treatment, much of this stemming from their heightened impulsivity, which seems to be the chief feature of the connection between gambling and this neurodevelopmental disorder.
Medical and Psychological Explanations for the Link Between ADHD & Gambling
Dopamine dysregulation is, without argument, one of the most prominent neurobiological factors synonymous with this link. As most readers probably know, dopamine plays a pivotal role in the brain’s reward system. People who have ADHD frequently also may have an imbalance in dopamine levels, as cited in Gail Tripp and Jeffery R Wickens’ 2009 research presented in the peer-reviewed scientific journal of Neuroscience Neuropharmacology. Because of this, they cannot regulate their attention as well as those not combating this disorder. Therefore, because of this deregulation, they seek out activities where they can get instant and overwhelming pleasure.
Naturally, gambling fits this mold perfectly, as wins in games of chance trigger a temporary but heightened sense of satisfaction. Such a short-term reward creates an addictive cycle, where a person seeks to recreate this sensation but ends up chasing a higher level of potency to do so. Other compulsive gambling risk factors are existing addictions and strong surrounding influences, meaning an environment dominated by vice-indulging persons.
In the context of gambling, it is vital to note that ADHD individuals have executive functioning deficits. That refers to cognitive processes that let people successfully focus, plan, remember instructions, and manage multiple tasks. Because in ADHD people, these processes do not function as well, they often have problems concerning self-regulation, leading them to exhibit poor decision-making. That is essential in gambling, where not assessing risk properly can lead to sizeable financial losses. Not being able to recognize when to stop will also produce this result. Since ADHS sufferers operate with impairments in working memory, they also have trouble learning from past mistakes and often repeat previous negative behaviors.
Challenges in Treatment & Prevention
It takes a nuanced grasp of both problem gambling and ADHD for any expert to be able to help people who have both disorders. Typical approaches to treatment are pharmacotherapy, motivational interviewing, and the mentioned cognitive-behavioral therapy. The latter can address impulsivity and poor decision-making, present in both conditions, and it improves executive functioning.
Regarding pharmacotherapy, methylphenidate and other stimulants, as well as non-stimulant drugs like atomoxetine, often get prescribed for dopamine regulation in ADHD patients, and they should help lower the urge for addictive behaviors. There is a 2022 study from Canada that points to these medications reducing impulsivity, which is a major element of problem gambling.
Lastly, prevention can only start with an early diagnosis and integrated treatment approaches that entail collaborations between addiction specialists and mental health professionals.
