Ep. 31 - ADHD and Gambling Addiction: Understanding the Connection
If you gamble and have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) there is a greater risk for your gambling to become a severe problem.
In episode 31 of our podcast, Fold em: Help for Gambling Problems, hear my conversation with Darryl Anderson, a counsellor who works in mental health and helps people overcome gambling problems. He also lives with ADHD himself.
Learn about symptoms of ADHD and its impact on adults. We’ll explain why individuals with ADHD are more at risk for gambling problems and point you in the direction of an adult ADHD self assessment and other online resources.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of the blog.
If you prefer to tune in directly from Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts, click on the red “Listen and Subscribe” button below.
About 1. 1 million Canadian adults live with ADHD, but it is often not recognized, even by doctors
ADHD presents real challenges for adults, including a greater risk for addiction
If you or someone you love shows signs of ADHD it helps to learn more and speak up for help
Do I Have ADHD? How Does it Show Up in Adults?
ADHD stands for Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder. ADHD starts in childhood and typically carries on into adulthood.
About 4-5% of adults have ADHD. In Canada, that works out to about 1. 1 million people. It affects men and women equally.
To an outsider, it can be difficult to see the signs of ADHD in an adult. Partly because many people figure out ways to manage and hide it. Also because those who don’t know much about ADHD might misinterpret the symptoms of, e.g. “he just needs to focus more or try harder.” Or, because it is misdiagnosed. With women in particular, doctors might conclude they are living with anxiety or depression. However, if you were to ask more questions, the signs of ADHD start to emerge.
Signs and Symptoms of ADHD in Adults:
difficulties paying attention to details
avoiding tasks that require mental effort
struggling with staying organized
restlessness and a need to fidget or tap
hard to wind down or be still, even with leisure activities
Some people have more symptoms related to inattentiveness. Others experience more hyperactivity. Some have both. For all, the symptoms started in childhood. Sometimes ADHD symptoms decrease in adulthood. About 60% still have ADHD as adults.
While getting treatment and learning ways to manage helps, living with ADHD has its challenges (and advantages too)
Challenges of Living with ADHD in Adulthood:
difficulties at school and work
low self esteem and confidence
hard time completing projects and tasks
restlessness and boredom
anxiety and depression
Advantages of living with ADHD:
creativity
passion
hyperfocus (at times)
high energy
Is There a Connection Between ADHD and Gambling Addiction?
In this episode of Fold em, we hear from Darryl Anderson who is a Clinical Counsellor specializing in mental health issues and gambling addiction. He tells us that people with ADHD are more prone to gambling problems and other addictions. This is confirmed by research showing that ADHD is more common among people with gambling addiction than the general population. Additional studies show that the gambling addiction is often more severe among those living with ADHD compared to those who are not.
Why is this? Darryl suggests three explanations.
Why ADHD Can Contribute to Problem Gambling:
Gambling provides a rush of dopamine which gives a sense of focus and stimulation - quite appealing for someone with ADHD
ADHD impacts the part of the brain that helps with learning from past mistakes. As a result, ADHD gets in the way of hitting the pause and reflect button when gambling is getting out of hand
ADHD contributes to more impulsive and risky behaviours ( e.g. betting more than you can afford to lose or keeping gambling secret)
Tune in to episode 31 of Fold em to and hear Darryl talk about his own experiences with figuring out as an adult that he has ADHD and the challenges he faced in getting his doctor to take this seriously. He offers advice for adults wanting to get a diagnosis and find out about treatment options.
Listen now by clicking on the green play button at the top of this blog. Or, tune in directly from Apple or Google podcasts by clicking on the red button below.
Check out other episodes of Fold em and be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss out when new ones are released.
Where Can I Find a Self Assessment and More Information on Adult ADHD?
Darryl shared some of his favorite resources on adult ADHD.
To find a self assessment questionnaire, try the Adult ADHD Self Report Scale (ASRS)
For further information, check out:
How to ADHD (YouTube)
One of the ADHD communities on reddit
Science Direct - a summary of research on ADHD
Support and Counselling in British Columbia
If you live in British Columbia and would like to learn more about free, confidential support and counselling services from Gambling Support BC, click on the red “Connect with Support in BC” button below. Or, go to the Gambling Support BC website. You can also access our services through the Gambling Support Line. It is available 24/7 at 1-888-795-6111.
Darryl Anderson, who is featured in this episode, works in Prince George, BC and can be contacted for free problem gambling counselling.
Gambling Support BC services are available to residents of British Columbia who are concerned about their own or a loved one’s gambling.
Fold em is a podcast hosted by Adrienne Cossom and her colleagues at Gambling Support BC. Whether you are looking at stopping or scaling back your own gambling or supporting a family member with a problem, this podcast will help you take back control. Hear from gamblers who have been through it and get tips from counsellors. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.
To learn more about gambling concerns and how to access resources and support, go to the home page of this website, click on the red “Learn More” button below, or connect with us through Facebook.