Cognitive and Performance Enhancing Medication Use to Improve Performance in Poker

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Psychology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Cognitive and performance enhancing medications (CPEMs) are increasingly studied across various professions.
• However, their use within the professional poker community remains under-researched.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and patterns of CPEM use among poker players.
• To identify motivations for use, methods of acquisition, and factors associated with CPEM usage in poker.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was distributed to 198 poker players recruited from internet poker forums.
• The survey assessed the use of prescription CPEMs, other performance-enhancing substances, reasons for use, acquisition methods, and player demographics.

Main Results:

• Approximately 28% of surveyed poker players reported using prescription CPEMs, with amphetamine/dextroamphetamine being most common.
• Players used CPEMs for focus (73%), to calm nerves, and to stay awake.
• Other substances like caffeine, marijuana, and alcohol were also reported for performance enhancement.
• Concerns about access, apprehension, and ethics deterred non-users.
• CPEMs were often acquired from friends or physicians.
• Use was associated with living outside the US, prior non-poker performance enhancement use, and amateur/semi-professional status.

Conclusions:

• A significant portion of poker players use CPEMs and other substances to enhance performance, often obtained through non-prescription channels.
• This unmonitored use raises safety concerns, particularly for non-professional players.
• The lack of clear guidance on CPEM use in healthy individuals may influence prescribing practices and player behavior.