Pathological Gamblers More Likely to Commit Suicide
Posted on 29. Dec, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
It would seem that pathological gamblers are putting only their money and livelihood at risk, but new research suggests that the problem is bigger than it seems. In fact, a recent Science Daily release shows that pathological gamblers are three times more likely to commit suicide than those who abstain from the betting scene.
How Social Cues Affect Gambling Behaviors
Posted on 16. Nov, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Gambling behaviors are complex, involving many social dynamics and choices influenced by the cues provided by the turn of events in a particular game. In order to understand disordered gambling behaviors, researchers are just beginning to pull apart the many factors at play in the decisions made by gambling individuals.
Florida Gambling Addiction Problem Linked with Crime and Growing
Posted on 09. Nov, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
There are a number of different arguments against establishing gambling venues within specific areas of a city or county. One of those arguments is often the heightened chance of gambling addictions developing among those who may opt to use the service. In a recent Hernando Today report, however, the objection may be the correlation between casinos and crime.
Compulsive Gamblers Can be Categorized; One Type May Have Coexisting Mental Illness
Posted on 03. Nov, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
The typical compulsive gambler can be anything but typical. A compulsive gambler can be an alcoholic. He or she can be mentally shaky, or seemingly well-adapted. They can have problems with organization or have several other impulsive behaviors.
Lottery Ads Designed to Entice Play
Posted on 25. Oct, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
It’s the magic ticket that can change everything: The Lottery. Everyone has imagined, at least once or twice, how their lives might change if they won the lottery. You would quit your job and buy a mansion with a garage large enough to house several expensive cars. You would have a butler whose only job was to hold a tray at the ready with a bell on it to summon your team of assistants at your whim. All of this, and your friends and family would whisper to one another, in awe of your generosity and your heart for the less fortunate, of course.
Internet Addiction and Gambling Problems Do Not Go Hand-in-Hand
Posted on 27. Jul, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
It is easy to assume that those with an addiction to Internet use may also have a problem with gambling. After all, they both rely on compulsive behaviors to thrive. According to a recent Science Daily release, however, there is no overlap.
Online Betting Software Could Thwart Problem Gamblers
Posted on 07. Jul, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Problem gambling has been in existence for a number of generations, although the latest technological advances have brought gambling to our fingertips. The Internet brought gambling to a whole new level, giving millions of people access to online betting shops.
Study Examines Genetics in Pathological Gambling
Posted on 24. Jun, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
For many, gambling is a fun pastime that entertains until the money budgeted for the event is gone. For too many others, gambling is an obsession, an addiction that robs the individual of their way of life, their jobs, their loved ones and in some cases, their life.
Gambling Addiction Born in the Genes
Posted on 14. Jun, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Is problem gambling a hereditary problem? Countless studies conducted on addiction show that an individual with an alcoholic parent is more likely to be an alcoholic in their own right. The same is true for drug addiction. Now, a new study conducted on Australian twins shows that if a parent is addicted to gambling, their child is likely to develop the same problem.
Many Poker Players Use Performance-Enhancing Drugs to Improve Play
Posted on 08. Jun, 2010 by Problem Gambling in Gambling Addiction Research
Performance-enhancing drugs have often been the stuff of legend. Disgraced baseball players and Olympians stripped of their medals come to mind; we usually think of people use drugs to make themselves faster and stronger. Now a study from Southeastern University in Nova Scotia has found 80 percent of poker players throughout the world have discovered the value of performance-enhancing drugs when they hit the tables.
The researchers posted invitations on various Internet poker forums. A total of 198 poker players completed the online survey process, of which 96 percent were male and the average age was 26. Participants identified themselves as amateur (37%), semi-professional (35%), professional (25%) and recreational (3%) players. The majority were online poker players. The researchers had also started the study by interviewing players during the World Series of Poker in Las Vegas. The majority of participants were from the United States and Canada.
The study showed that 28 percent of those who participated in the survey used at least one form of prescription medication to improver their performance. They self-reported that they used the drugs mainly to improve their focus and concentration, although they also used prescription drugs to calm their nerves, stay awake, and improve their memory.
The most popular drugs were amphetamines such as dextroamphetamine and benzodiazepines (Valium or other anxyiolytics). A good percent also reported use of the opiate hydrocodone and the ADHD drug methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta fall in this class). Some took beta blockers to reduce nervousness.
So how did they obtain these performance-enhancing prescription drugs? Many got them from a physician (38%), although most were either given or sold them by other players. Some bought their drugs online, which may mean they are not actually taking the drug they think they are taking as many online drugs are counterfeits.
Eighty percent of players also reported using non-prescription drugs or substances to enhance performance, such as caffeine, energy drinks, marijuana, alcohol, nicotine, sports drinks, and cocaine. Almost half said they took dietary supplements to improve their game of poker. These supplements included vitamin B12, stimulants such as ephedra and guarana, and herbs that reportedly improve memory such as Ginkgo biloba.
Marijuana seemed to be a popular choice among some poker players, sometimes to calm them during play and sometimes to ease their stress after playing. In terms of alcohol use, 86 percent reported that they drink alcohol at any given time. This group drank an average of five drinks when they drink, and they drank an average of nine days a month.
Performance-enhancing drugs have been controversial in the sports world, but in other applications some believe they are ethical and acceptable. The American Academy of Neuorlogy (AAN) Ethics, Law, and Humanities Committee recently stated that off-label use of neuroenhancing drugs is legally and ethically permissible. The British Medical Association has also given a green light to the use of neuroenhancing drugs to improve base-line cognitive ability.
The results of the study suggest a considerable segment of the poker-playing population uses some sort of performance-enhancing substance to improve play, although the researchers warn that this study likely involved those who were more serious about poker play than the average casual player.