Regarding depression, it makes sense that when so much of your identity is tied to your performance, a decline in skill could lead to feelings of inadequacy and depression. As for mind-enhancing drugs, while they may provide short-term benefits, they're not a sustainable solution and can have negative long-term effects.
If you're interested in more information on this topic, I suggest checking out some psychology or sports science research. They might have more insights into the relationship between chess and mental health.
Also, I recently discovered one inpatient rehab near me that could provide support for anyone struggling with addiction or mental health issues.
why it seems that chess players have problems with drug addiction,depression and alcohol addiction?
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Apr 4, 2024
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#23
Why wouldn’t chess players have such problems? As an alcoholic (22 years sober) I can assure you that chess doesn’t cause, nor cure, such disease. There isn’t a correlation, except I can’t imagine enjoying a chess game drunk. Total buzz killer and could cause headache.
Chess studies and chess competition are motivations to stay sober. You can't show up in a tournament drunk: it smells, it shows, and it falls under the laws of sports.
And if you want to become better and achieve better results in official competion, well, you soon see all psychotropic things one can smoke drink of eat, an annoyance.
In my youth, when I had "nothing better to do", I used to drink beer. When I began chess competition and studies, I kept the beer drinking for occasions.
It is true, tho, that I was not physically addicted, and suffered then no withdrawal syndrom. Yet, it is my conviction, that if one wants to become a stronger and better chess player, one has to overcome the possible withdrawal they'll suffer at first.
And I must add, I do believe it's much easier to quit bad stuff for a purpose, than to quit with a "do nothing special" life for goal. In that aspect, I do believe chess can help. Well, provided you do care for the results, the trophies, the ratings, and the local fame and reputation you can gain in the process.
PunyGully wrote:
show your experiences,I evidence in myself and other chess players,even GM apparently have the same problem.
Mental health problems, and substance abuse, sometimes go hand in hand. This doesn't necessarily correlate with chess, though. There are people from all walks of life who struggle with either or both of these issues.
Bullet chess players addicted to caffeine, this is true; But what you said is just so we can pretend that a GM is like a Rock Star.
Where I live, a lot of people drink too much and almost nobody play chess.
Alcohol is good for imaginative attacking players, it reduces inhibition to sacrifice pieces, the two most imaginative attackers of all time Alekhine and tal were both alcoholics , depression hits when 50 ℅ or more of your self image and ego is dependent on your chess strength and results , when playing strength declines due to age then depression takes over, mind enhancing drugs may be effective for a few hours like caffeine and nicotine and may help concentration during a game but don't do much in increasing ability
Alekhine died at 53, and Tal died at 55. I wouldn't want those odds...