So tonight’s the big night: the chance to drive on the highway to happiness; the escape from the daily grind; the take-this-job-and-shove it event:  A $550 Million POWERBALL!

Sure the odds are steep, but hey — win the big bucks and you’ll be happy forever, right?

Not so fast, fat wallet.

I’m sure you’ve heard the stories of previous big time lottery winners who have really screwed up or had life go sour, but you think - hey, I’m not like them, if this was me, I’d be happier than ever.

But research from the University of California at Santa Barbara shows the elation of winning can soon turn to deflation.

It seems the emotion of winning is so extreme, lottery winners find money can’t buy happiness. Specifically, the everyday pleasures of life go flat.

Meaning, reading a book. Watching your favorite TV show. Chatting with a friend. People who are winners are at risk of being losers of these simple pleasures.

It’s evidently some brain chemical thing.

But, say. Maybe you are different. Maybe you will beat the odds — of winning … and being happy forever.

Buy that ticket, and don’t forget who your friends are. Even us doctors who like to spread doom and gloom. I’ll take my loan in tens and twenties. Thanks!