Dealing With Gambling Addiction
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- čas přidán 11. 12. 2022
- David explores his personal experience of a near twenty year gambling addiction, and how friends and family of the addicted can help them. And how not to help them. More of David's story and life can be found at: www.thechrist-centeredlife.com.
Addiction is frequently mistakenly regarded as just being a bad habit that a person can stop by an act of their will. Addiction may also be thought of as simply being a wrong life choice that someone took at some point in their life; a choice that they can change again at any time. People who think like this are in no position to help the addicted, and they should not try to help them. The addicted should stay clear of people whose cheap grace and bulletproof answers clearly demonstrate that they know nothing about addiction.
Understanding addiction and the addicted is a major advantage when seeking to help both the addicted, the relatives of the addicted, and the friends of the addicted. Addiction is not a mere habit, though it may have started out as a mere habit. Everyone therefore needs to be lovingly aware when someone’s habits are ingrained, and you can see that the person is sliding down the road towards addiction. Addiction is not simply an often-repeated wrong choice. The addict has no control over their own life choices, and cannot ‘pull themselves together.’
True addiction is a real spiritual oppression. True addiction is not an illness, it is not a mental health issue, it is not a sickness; though all of these, and more, can promote, or strengthen, addiction. Furthermore, the addict may well have mental health issues, sickness, and other complications, on top of their addiction.
It is possible to be addicted to almost anything in life. Alcohol/drugs/ power/ sex/ money/ gambling/ energy drinks/ ‘normal’ life/ reputation/ etc/ etc/ etc… While there are obvious differences between the addictions, the root oppression remains the same.
All addiction is serious, irrespective of what the person is addicted to. All addiction is serious, irrespective of what people may think of the particular addiction. There is no such thing as a minor, or insignificant, addiction. All addiction is serious. Some addictions, such as gambling, do not directly damage the addict’s body, whereas addictions like drugs or alcohol can do devastating damage to the addict’s body. When a person’s health is continually deteriorating, family and friends should be concerned enough to gently find out why it is happening.
Addiction takes hold because it makes great promises to the addict, but all of those great promises will always remain unfulfilled. The gambling addict is always only moments away from the big win that will pay off their debts and solve all of their problems. The alcoholic is only one last drink away from going sober and getting their life back. And so on.
An addict is utterly unable to stop feeding their addiction, even though the addict may appear to be living a ‘normal’ life. An addict can hold down a responsible job, and even appear ‘normal’ to family and friends. An addict can have a good job in public, but be totally controlled in private. Addicts have a ‘hidden’ loss of self-control. Addicts have their ‘secret’ life - but family and friends will usually know about it. The addict believes that their addiction is secret, that it is hidden; and the addict will go to great lengths to maintain that pretence.
An addict is controlled - but an addict is not out of control. Imposed strength, or a restraining force, on the addict only pauses the addiction. Behavioural modification - forced or voluntary - will never set the addict free. Even a prison sentence will only pause an addiction - it will not stop the addiction, and it will not free the addict.
My personal experience is that most people really do not understand addiction, and that is why their reactions and responses are often very unhelpful. I hope that this video will aid your understanding, promote kindness, and an acceptance of the addict, without accepting their addiction.
An addict is not a problem to be solved, an addict is not a pastoral issue to be addressed, and addict is not a mere thing. An addict is a real flesh and blood human being who is worthy of our respect. An addict is a person who desperately needs our kindness and our understanding. The addict is a real flesh and blood human being who does not need our sniping criticism, and nor does the addict need our condemnation. The addict is a real flesh and blood person who needs the power of the Holy Spirit to work in their life, if they are to be free of their addiction. Watch this video and see how you can help the addicted, as well as the family and friends of the addicted. It will also help you not to make common mistakes when trying to help the addicted.
Thank you for stating that addiction is not "just a bad habit that you can break with willpower".
You are very welcome. Unfortunately, people who not truly understand addiction often think that is a habit that can be easily broken. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, David.
The gambling addiction is worst of the lot ,and with respect gambling addiction can of course cause physical problems ,through all the stresses it brings ,can do much more damage than youd imagine .
All addictions are terrible, and because of online gambling, it is possible to lose huge amounts of money very quickly. And the damage runs into families, friends, and work.
@@DavidBroderick7 so true
This is very true
@@mansmooth255 👍
Question. So say those who have a gambling addiction stops. They will still spend the money elsewhere and get into more debts. Are you sure gambling is the sole issue here?
I just watched this video again, and i decided that today, i am starting my recovery ! The other times i wanted to quit, i wasn't entirely honest with myself, in the respect that i always subconsciously said to myself "I'll go back one night, have a big win, and i'll quit then", aha, who was i kidding ! I had a loss Friday of around £450, but i just want you to know, i am gonna try to use what i heard here this early morning as something to help me see the light, and rid myself of this misery and suffering !!! I really do love this video, it is something i shall point people towards for hope and a source of valuable information from a genuinely intelligent man ! Your an inspiration to me David, even though i have struggled majorly since my last comment and lost some tremendous money over the last 3 years! Day 1, let's do this 👏👏🙏❤️
Thank you so much for your honesty and openness that is the first step towards real recovery. I pray that you will indeed find complete deliverance and a freedom that words alone cannot express. If it would help your recovery, do email me at: david.broderick@thechrist-centeredlife.com and we can share in your journey. Blessings, David.
@@DavidBroderick7 thanx always for your reply matey, my real name isn't Hakan BTW, but you can call me Anthony, i can't reveal myself for my own reasons, but i assure you, it's honestly nothing bad or anything. Yes, i will give you an email more than likely, i just want you to know that when people tend to say; "if i can help just one person", well, i am that one person ! Thanx so very much David ❤️🙏
@@DavidBroderick7 would you mind if i asked what time period it was your gambling took place ? And, how did you come to lose this amount, and also, was it FOBT machines you used like i succumbed to ? Thanx ❤️🙏
It was between 1962 and 1982. I lost about £47,000 and that would be almost £500,000 in today's money. FOBT did not exist back then, and I played fruit machines aka slot machines.
@@DavidBroderick7 ahh i see. So, was the fruit machines what you lost that amount on ? Or was you gambling on other forms of punting??? Yeah, them are serious numbers, especially in them periods. Yeah, FOBTS woulda hurt you even more had they bin around. Thanx mate 🙏🙏
I have a horrible gambling addiction. I'm so tired of it. Doing everything I know to get help.
I know how that feels, robin. You probably know by this time that Jesus set me free from gambling addiction, and he can do the same for you. If it would help you, email me at: david.broderick@thechrist-centeredlife.com and you can communicate in private. Blessings, David.
Compulsive Gambler here. Great video. Im seeking help now. Trying to get rid of these gambling addiction.
Thank you for being honest, Harold. I pray you will find true and lasting freedom from the addiction. Blessings, David.
You have an extraordinary soothing voice. Thank you for this video.
You are welcome!
Thank you so much for this video. I went through a horrible addiction. At first I was so ignorant to the fact of addiction. Then next stage. Denial. But after reading many books and videos. I reall feel that what is needed is an understanding of addiction. I’m slowly but surely. Getting on top of my addiction and wish everyone strength in their journey cause I know the pain
Thank you so much, mick, for sharing so honestly. I pray that you will know full freedom from gambling and live in the joy of freedom. Blessings, David.
This guy is saying the absolute truth gambling is the devil stay away from it because gambling will turn you in to the person you never was
It is now becoming known just how widespread the gambling addiction is among professional sportsmen (especially sportsmen rather than sportswomen), and the harm that is is doing. We need to be honest and open about gambling addiction, and the damage that it does. Of course, that is equally true of all addictions.Thank you for sharing, Wayne - do you have experience of gambling addiction?
@@DavidBroderick7 i have experience gambling I mean I wasn't really a big time gambler but when you spend your hundred dollars at the machines it makes you wanna hide from family because it makes you feel regret that you gave your money to the devil and it's not a good feeling I decided to stop gambling I traind my mind to tell my self that I'm gonna lose every time i get the urge to gamble
Yes, I know those feelings and thoughts. I pray that you stay free of gambling and that your heart is refreshed by that freedom. Blessings, David.
I remember taking a cash advance off my father's credit card for 2,500 as an authorized user. I remember being told addiction was a crutch. Fast forward 25 years and kicked the habit. Looking back I feel my whole life was hiding behind happiness to cover gambling.... hindsight 20/20
I am so glad you kicked the habit, Majik, as addiction can ruin lives far beyond that of the addict. Thank you for sharing personally.
So if say gambling does not exist. You are still going to do the same thing but instead of putting into gambling, you will put it somewhere else right?
A gambling addict can be addicted to other things at the same time, and the other can be an attempt to 'starve' gambling so it stops. I think that, for most people, addictions usually begin as a habit - and probably an enjoyable habit. But any habit can eventually take control and cause true addiction. That urge can express itself in many ways. Thank you for your thought. Blessings, David.
This video is awesome man! I appreciate you making this! Felt like I learned something! I hope all is well my friend!
Thank you. I am pleased you found it helpful!
Thank you for this! I have recently stopped gambling and am on the journey to a gambling free life. I found your reference to the passage from Romans relevant to my experiences. Over the years, I have tried to remind myself to turn to prayer etc when the urge to gamble has come to me. It seems to have taken me a very long time to recognise what I would describe as the angelic voices inside my head as opposed to those that encourage me to gamble. I’m not sure that I’m free of the addiction as yet, but I think I have reached a turning point where I know the right I want to do and feel I am strong enough to resist the urge to gamble. I guess time will tell. I think my gambling replaced the lack of commitment I have had to living a life properly dedicated in my spare time. I managed to coast through life, committing myself to my employment and allowing my social and personal life to become empty. Filling my life with ‘good’ things is going to be the biggest challenge. Say a prayer for me.
Thank you for sharing so honestly. The Holy Spirit who whispers to you will point to Jesus who is the one who can set you free from gambling, and help you to stay free. My experience was that, after I was set free from the addiction to gambling, the habit of gambling still remained, and I had to resist it. It took a few weeks for that habit to die. I pray that you will know the freedom that is in Christ Jesus. Blessings, David.
Loneliness plays a big factor. At least in My case. One of the earliest memories I have, is being in a stroller on a casino floor in Las Vegas. It was My Mother and Myself. Back then they had regular redeye flights. You would leave at night from San Diego to Vegas and return the next morning. My Mother was gambling next to another lady and the lady asked if She could pat my head for good luck. She did, hit something and gave Me a bunch of quarters. When I turned 21, My Mother and Father moved to Vegas. I moved to Belgium, but when I visited My parents in Vegas, quality time was spent with My Mother at Her favourite local casinos. She is now bedridden, so We cannot go to the casino when I visit. But when I think of those time and how much I missed being in Europe so long, that is one of My triggers.
Addiction is lonely, LightWarrior. The addict keeps people away from them, and pushes them away if they try to get close. Gambling can take such a strong hold on the lives of a family. Thank you for sharing. Blessings, David.
Really good video, my friend.
Thank you, and I hope it helps many people to whom addiction is a live issue.
I am a compulsive gambler and I agree with you , terrible addiction on the world 🌎,. No one can beat this addiction, maybe 1/1000%
Yes, the gambling addiction is very hard to beat. Some people manage to restrict themselves from gambling in some way, but many struggle in vain. It is my personal experience that Jesus can set people free from a gambling addiction, as he did for me. I have seen him set other people set free too. Thank you for sharing, and I pray that Jesus will set you free too. Blessings, David.
I can’t even shower. I’m so depressed
There is hope. Jesus can set you free.
I lost good chunk of money at a casino and now ban myself from it.
That is good that you are able to control yourself and turn away from the gambling. Keep safe and far away from gambling.
I did the same tonight. Banned Myself.
Good that you can do that and keep yourself safe. Blessings, David.
I been a gambling addict for 11 years now 😭
I was a gambling addict for almost 20 years. I know how that feels. The confidence when you have money, the devastation when you lose it all.
God made a way in my life.
Wonderful Coach, and I pray that you are able to walk in that way. Blessings, David.
Thank you David for this video on gambling addiction. I have been addicted to gambling for about 2 years now. I feel so foolish after my divorce for being upset and angry and gambling all my money away constantly to get some sort of revenge on my ex wife. I left her for Jesus when she decided that she didn't want Jesus in our marriage or for our children. That anger I had I have been learning to give to Jesus every day since we separated and divorced. Now this gambling addiction and addiction to pornography which I had before gambling are sins that I am learning to admit I have a problem with and submitting them to God in prayer and asking that he create a clean heart in me to stop doing these sins. God has provided a lot for me every day, and He still comes after me in my brokenness and fixes my heart and mind with His Holy words. I thank God every day for the ability to wake up and praise Him. Thank you Jesus for another day at life and to worship you in Spirit and Truth.
Thank you for sharing so personally and so honestly. Jesus truly is our deliverer who sets us free from addiction. He can and will set you free from addictions that control you - call out to him. Do you have someone that you can meet with and share your journey into freedom with? A close friend can be a great help as you recover and get your life back on track. Thank you again for ssharing so openly. Blessings, David.
I attend Calvary Chapel and I have other brothers and sisters around me. They are praying for me and encouraging me to stay close to God and his word. God bless you David@@DavidBroderick7
That is good that you have encouraging people around you. Every day free from gambling is a step of freedom. You will come out of darker days into days of sunshine. Jesus did it for me, and he can do it for you. Be blessed as you follow Jesus. Blessings, David.
I know I’m addicted and want to be free. Can you help me?
Yes, for Jesus can help you, and he is not restricted by distance or time. Ask him to set you free, eliza, even as I ask him to that for you. Believe and receive. Email me if you wish at david.broderick@thechrist-centeredlife.com
It's a mind thing how i stopped was every time i think about gambling i tell myself how much i done lost in the machines how it made me feel ...i used that to stop you gave too much already your n control not some stupid computer u can beat gambling without help .. all u need is common sense and god ❤
Thank you for your thoughts, lucilu.I think God would be the only way to beat the machines and casinos!!! I, too, hated the feeling of thinking how much I lost to gambling addiction, but thankfully I have been free of that addiction for many years now. Blessings, David.
What about us who take it as a part time job. Thou😊
As I say in the video, people can lead a 'normal' life but be addicted to gambling. That is what I did. But, surely if slowly, the addiction has an impact on 'normal' life and damages and then destroys relationships...
@@DavidBroderick7 it's just that we have no hope
There is always hope. I was addicted to gambling for 20 years... Hope needs to be desperate to free of the addiction above everything else. That is when the road to recovery truly begins. Email me at david.broderick@thechrist-centeredlife.com if you wish private communication.
Keep digging, its the only way out
Not sure what you are digging, anonymous, but the journey out of addiction can be a hard one for sure. There is hope...
How do you know all this?
I have been where you are, and I have now been free of gambling for a long time. But the experience never fades and nor can it be forgotten. I pray you will encounter Jesus who is the one who can set you free. Blessings, David
My life is ruined because of my gambling addiction. I have thought about suicide so many times.
I can understand the hopelessness that you feel, zach, because I have been there. I was there after nearly twenty years of gambling addiction. I just wanted it to end. Jesus set me free when I had nothing left, and no hope left. He can set you free. Call upon him. There is hope. I pray that you will find true freedom, and start on the road to recovery. Blessings, David.
gambling addiction should be treated in a clinical way. oftentimes, people use condemnation and morality to shame people into not gambling. this is just not effective. on the contrary, the guilt and shame often add fuel to that addiction since gambling is a refuge into self-forgetfulness. we should view gambling addiction as an illness similar to people having a long term illness. it should be treated with intelligence, insight, understanding, not brute force condemnation.
I agree whole-heartedly that (any) addicts should be treated as hurting human beings. Shaming and exposure cures nothing, but it causes further division and conflict. Gambling addiction is a true spiritual oppression and the addict is real flesh and blood. Thank you for sharing. Blessings,David.
Gambling is sucks no one can't beat those den of thieves casinos.
The whole gambling industry has one aim, and that is to take your money off you.So That is common to so many industries that can ruin lives in the process. Thank you for your thought.
Can you help me?
I say it again... Yes, for Jesus can help you, and he is not restricted by distance or time. Ask him to set you free, eliza, even as I ask him to that for you. Believe and receive. Email me if you wish at david.broderick@thechrist-centeredlife.com
Gambling addiction is a demon and is destroying lives 😕
JESUS saves 😃 !!!!
Thoughts and prayers from germany 🙏 😇
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. All addiction is destroys lives but, because of my background, I especially think about those people who are addicted to gambling. Blessings, David.
Constructive feedback: Learn to use proper camera angles. Your head ought to be close to top of screen, not 1\2 way like a slump in the chair. Why not go for CMR? This is very hard to watch. Cheers 🇦🇺
Thank you for your suggestions, I will take them into account. I do not know what CMR is, I will check it out. The message is the most important part, however. As long as the message gets across, I am happy. Blessings, David.
I ain't quitting. Gambling helped me quit whiskey and cocaine. I'd say gambling has helped me put thousands in my bank account and the Bible does not mention of gambling being a sin. Whiskey and cocaine on the other hand costed me thousands and two marriages.
Gambling addiction is really about being in control or being controlled. The full effect of a gambling addiction is really seen in hindsight. Thank you for your comments. Blessings, David.
Mate, your wisdom and wealth of knowledge is absolutely AWESOME ! Your story is a bit similar to mine, even the 12k amount owed is identical too, only in my case, it's what i'm down in a particular period of my life (i'd rather not say when) ! Powerful stuff, you've made my weekend hearing these wise words ! Eternally grateful 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌👏👏
Thank you for your kind words and I am delighted that you found the video helpful. You can find more of my story at: www.thechrist-centeredlife.com
@@DavidBroderick7 Hiya mate, ta for reply, and i'll watch it shortly. Thanx always 🙏👍