Former Surgeon General Jerome Adams Declares Sports Betting the New Opioid Crisis

Former US Surgeon General Jerome Adams has declared sports betting the new opioid crisis. Adams, who held the post from 2017 to 2021, warned of early exposure and addiction among children, especially boys, and noted that gambling addiction is the one most likely to lead to suicide.

In a post on X, Adams wrote: “Sports betting is the new opioid crisis. Our kids – especially our boys – are getting exposed and hooked early. And it’s ruining lives as surely as us turning a blind eye to prescription opioids did. DYK gambling addiction is the addiction most likely to lead to suicide?”

A CasinoBeats report explores the neuroscience of gambling addiction and personal accounts from those affected. It addresses why most people who bet avoid addiction while others face devastating consequences driven by dopamine.

Dopamine as the Central Mechanism

Dr. Timothy Fong, clinical professor of psychiatry and co-director of UCLA’s Gambling Studies Program, described the causes. “It’s the same as what causes any other addiction. It’s a combination of biological risk factors, psychological risk factors, and social risk factors,” said Fong. “It can be someone with a family history of addiction; someone who has untreated mental health problems like depression, anxiety, ADHD; or someone who is around a lot of gambling, with access to money, and it sets up a recipe as to why people fall into problems.”

The neurotransmitter dopamine creates a powerful rush from betting that the brain comes to require. Chris Swett, a former trial attorney, told CasinoBeats: “For me, it was about just having the action.” He received dopamine hits from placing bets, tracking games, and experiencing the roller-coaster of outcomes. Swett checked his phone every 10 to 15 minutes daily to sustain the effect.

Swett was introduced to gambling by his father, the chief of police, who hosted Wednesday night poker games attended by state senators, judges and attorneys. At age 16 he received a seat at the table and viewed gambling as normal recreation. The addiction cost him his career and will soon send him to federal prison.

Mathew Bowyer described the challenge of separating the dopamine rush from winning and its ultimate cost. Louis Ruggiero said gambling had become his identity. “I was the gambler. I was the guy. I had the planes to Vegas. I had the bookie with a $500,000 a week credit limit.” He added that behind the facade was self-hatred, lying and “a fucking house of cards.” Ruggiero noted his story is not unique.

The Case for Equivalent Treatment and Study

Swett stated: “It is a powerful, powerful addiction, and every day I craved that hit.” He called for gambling addiction to be studied more, recognized more and treated the same as any substance addiction. All three recovering addicts now help others through podcasts, websites and writing.

The accounts underscore limits in current understanding and response. Greater recognition of these risks, grounded in the biological and personal evidence presented, will shape how the sector addresses vulnerability going forward.

Reporting: Casino Beats

Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.