Tips for a Successful Trip to Las Vegas with ADD and ADHD

Image courtesy of Tuomas_Lehtinen at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Image courtesy of Tuomas_Lehtinen at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I have to admit that Las Vegas is one of my favorite places to visit. Between the bright lights and solid people watching, there’s so many things to enjoy. At the same time, Las Vegas can be a very dangerous place for someone with ADD and ADHD.

The most obvious reason is gambling. The adrenaline rush and gratification of immediate winning (or potentially winning) draws us into the action. Our decision making and impulse control is put to the test. Plus, the casinos are happy to serve free drinks that can impact our decision making.

I’ve known many people that arrive in Las Vegas with the best of intentions and leave with the worst of results. And folks with ADD/ADHD will have difficulty cutting his or her losses. So are there things we can do to better prepare ourselves for the Las Vegas experience? Allow me to make some suggestions…

  • Bring a set amount of money. Be prepared to lose it and be comfortable If you win or break even, consider it a great trip. But consider it the exception and not the standard.
  • Do your research ahead of time. Plan activities that do not revolve around gambling. Don’t hang around the casino. These are designed to be very confusing and hard to navigate. The noises and lights can be engaging. Don’t get sucked in! If you really wanted to experience the casinos, then why not play some online casino games from the comfort of your own room instead? Some websites may offer online casino bonuses that can increase your budget. You can have the same amount of fun you would have in the casino without the hassle of actually going to one.
  • Be sure to not be distracted. It’s very easy to get caught up in the action and it’s even easier for criminals to target you. Guard your valuables.
  • Don’t be fooled by the giveaways. If something seems too good to be true…Know where you’re going and what you’re planning on doing.
  • Bring along the pets, and use pet friendly hotels in Las Vegas where possible. Keeping your children in-touch with the pets can minimise ADHD

There’s also the opportunity for overindulgence. Between the drinks and buffets, we can overdo it. Keep in mind that just because something is free or unlimited, doesn’t mean it doesn’t come with consequences. Over-drinking can lead to impaired decision making. This can lead us down a terrible path. Overeating is also a concern. Not for the immediate results but certainly for our long-term health. The key is to take everything in moderation and be able to self-regulate.

For more helpful tips an suggestions, please check out my ADHD Guru podcast on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. You can also find me on Twitter (@adhdguru) and Instagram (@adhdguru). Feel free to email me at [email protected] or call 877.398.ADHD (2343) with any additional questions.

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