SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery® Podcast

SMART Recovery

  • Getting Treatment for Compulsive Gambling

Getting Treatment for Compulsive Gambling

Monday 11th December 2023

Billy Hoffman shares his journey from compulsive gambler to counselor, offering hope and practical advice for overcoming gambling addiction.
39 minutes
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Thought-provoking

About this podcast

SMART Recovery® Podcast
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SMART Recovery
Overview:
Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Innovative Treatments & Recovery Paths
Family Recovery from Addiction
Body & Mind
Financial Health in Recovery
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Breaking the Chains of Compulsive Gambling: Billy Hoffman's Story

Episode Overview

  • Compulsive gambling is intensified by the widespread availability of legal sports betting.
  • Battling gambling addiction requires stabilizing the financial repercussions before addressing emotional recovery.
  • Resistance and ego are often intertwined with the identity of a compulsive gambler, necessitating understanding from non-gambling professionals.
  • Valuable insights on compulsive gambling can be found in resources by Valerie Lorenz, Arnie Wexler, and institutions like the University of Maryland and New York.
  • Billy Hoffman's expertise and compassionate approach provide hope for individuals striving to break free from the grip of gambling addiction.
Compulsive gamblers problem is not that they can't win. It's that they can't stop. And as long as I can't stop, I can never win.
Imagine being trapped in a cycle of emotional and financial chaos, all because of a gambling addiction. This episode of the SMART Recovery® Podcast brings you the compelling story of Billy Hoffman, a certified substance abuse counselor who has lived through 22 years of compulsive gambling. With his unique blend of personal experience and professional expertise, Billy offers a deep understanding of the struggles faced by those caught in the grip of gambling addiction.
Billy doesn’t just talk about the problem; he delves into the emotional turmoil and financial devastation that come with it. He explains how the rise in legal sports betting has made it even harder for people to break free. The normalization of gambling in society feeds into the addictive cycle, making recovery seem like an uphill battle. But Billy’s story is one of hope and resilience. He highlights the importance of addressing financial issues first before diving into emotional recovery.
His insights are not just theoretical; they come from his own journey and the countless individuals he has helped. Billy also stresses the need for non-gambling professionals to understand the mindset of a compulsive gambler, which is often riddled with resistance and ego. Throughout the episode, Billy points listeners to valuable resources like Dr. Valerie Lorenz's book on compulsive gambling and Arnie Wexler's 'All Bets Are Off'.
These resources offer additional support for those seeking to understand and overcome this addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with compulsive gambling, this episode is a must-listen. Billy Hoffman’s compassionate approach and practical advice provide a beacon of hope for anyone looking to break free from the chains of gambling addiction.