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Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Huron County Health Unit
Parkinson’s Treatment Linked to Gambling

Huron County – A recent study says people taking medications for Parkinson’s disease may be at a high risk of developing a gambling problem. The medications are given to decrease the uncontrollable movements that are associated with Parkinson’s disease. The drugs containing dopamine include Mirapex, Levodopa and Carbidopa.

Research shows that people who are affected rarely gambled before taking the drugs. Frequent gambling started suddenly. When the dopamine drug was stopped, the craving and urge to gamble was gone almost immediately.

Not everyone in the study was affected by excessive gambling. Some people had other unusual behaviours. Shopping addiction, compulsive eating and hypersexuality were also linked with the dopamine drugs. However, those behaviours were not as common as problem gambling.

More studies are planned to look at the relationship between dopamine drugs and Parkinson’s disease. Scientists hope the results of these studies will explain why some patients are more at risk of developing unusual behaviours than others.

A gambling addiction has a significant impact on a person’s life. The gambler sometimes gambles large amounts of money. Their relationships are also negatively affected. Identifying the problem early is the key to preventing the devastating effects of excessive gambling.

Physicians and health care providers may not ask their patients about their gambling activity or other unusual behaviours. If you are on any of the dopamine drugs, talk to your family physician about any concerns you have.

If you have a gambling addiction and need help to deal with your problem, you can call Huron Addiction Services at 519-482-3416 or 1-877-837- 6143. This is a free service and all calls are confidential.

TO FIND OUT MORE...
Our media contact is: Barbara Leavitt, Communications Co-ordinator, Huron County Health Unit, 519-482-3416 or toll-free 1-877-837- 6143.

The Communications Co-ordinator will connect you to our spokesperson on this topic: Gail Huber, Addictions Counselor, Huron Addiction Services, 519-482-3416, ext. 2275
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