Addicted

Recovery

My Story

Why I Started AddictedRecovery

My name is Daniel.

I was addicted to gambling for around 22 years. I started gambling at about 12 years old, and by age 14 or 15, after two significant wins (each meaningful for different reasons), I was hooked.

At 19,

I won a life-changing amount of money — the kind that could change most people’s lives. It took four days to reach my bank account after I withdrew it online. Once it arrived, I gave it all back within hours, losing every dollar gambling again.

Looking back now,

I realize I spent the next two decades chasing that first winning feeling. No win was ever enough, because it was never about the money — it was about the thrill and anticipation of the next bet.

I stopped gambling in 2021,

I stopped gambling in 2021, After 22 years of addiction, I’ve been in recovery ever since. Rehab, Gamblers Anonymous, counseling, and therapy helped me take control. Today, I’m a present father, a supportive husband, and my two daughters are my world.

In November 2024,

I launched my YouTube channel, AddictedRecovery, as a way to give back the knowledge I gained. If even one person hears my story and it helps them stop gambling for good, then it’s all worth it.
AddictedRecovery

What AddictedRecovery Is About

I created AddictedRecovery after overcoming my own battle with gambling addiction. For over 20 years, gambling controlled my life — the losses, the lies, the shame, the cycle. Recovery changed everything.

Through my channel, I help people stop gambling and stay stopped, offering guidance, education, and real stories that show people they’re not alone.

The AddictedRecovery Show

A dedicated space for conversations, stories, and guidance related to gambling addiction recovery.

Jacob shares how football betting, smartphone apps, constant access, and the illusion of control slowly rewired his relationship with money, sport, and himself. This conversation unpacks gambling addiction, compulsive betting behaviour, dopamine highs, and the early warning signs many people miss until it’s too late. Jacob remembers one day where everything went right - every bet won, every instinct paid off, and the high felt unbeatable. But that moment didn’t save him. It planted something deeper. In this episode, he takes us from his first bets at football matches with his dad, through the rise of online gambling and smartphone access, to travelling the world in an attempt to escape it all. This is an honest, first-time-told story about how gambling creeps in quietly, and why winning can sometimes be the most dangerous part. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Quit Gambling NOW - Recovery Tools & Support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDuTrJixp8&list=PL0ayojujpl6s2saDNuIpWLSdsvE10Quye&index=1 Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ 00:00 Jacob's Story 05:39 The Early Days of Gambling 10:27 The Ramp-Up of Gambling Habits 13:55 The Impact of Technology on Gambling 25:43 Traveling as an Escape from Gambling 29:40 The Struggles in Australia 33:38 Finding Balance in Melbourne 38:22 Navigating Finances and Gambling in Australia 41:11 The Love for Sports and Its Connection to Gambling 42:12 Rediscovering the Joy of Sports Post-Gambling 43:10 The Struggles of Returning to the UK 45:41 The Spiral of Gambling in London 50:33 The Turning Point: Seeking Help 53:06 The Journey Back to Australia & The Next Chapter ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
That One Day That Changed Everything | Jacob's Story
Gambling addiction is often misunderstood as a money problem, but for many people it has nothing to do with how much is won or lost. In this conversation, Colin Brown opens up about his gambling addiction, the cycle of chasing bigger wins, repeated rock bottoms, and the painful reality that even a life-changing win would never have been enough. This episode explores gambling harm, compulsive gambling behaviour, relapse patterns, and the psychological grip that keeps people stuck. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Another Amazing Person Shares Their Gambling Addiction Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36xIaKuDf84&list=PL0ayojujpl6sbOc-tq5GkbKYFvVpByMNF Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
Gambling's Relapse Cycle
Louis shares his raw story of gambling addiction and recovery, opening up about how compulsive gambling led him into overwhelming debt and nearly destroyed his life. His experience highlights the hidden reality of problem gambling, the mental obsession behind betting, and why gambling addiction is not about money but about escape, control, and survival. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Relapse Prevention - Stay Away From Gamblign For GOOD - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ayojujpl6s54hxQxA90FG35EPcGD17- Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
Gambling Ruins EVERY Holiday I Took
Gambling addiction isn’t about money, luck, or discipline - it’s about control, escape, and the slow loss of self. In this episode of AddictedRecovery, Joe shares how gambling escalated from early bets into a cycle of chasing, secrecy, and emotional collapse. We explore the role of bookies, the illusion of winning, and why even big wins can deepen addiction rather than end it. This conversation shines a light on problem gambling, relapse risk, and what real recovery actually looks like beyond just stopping bets. Joe reached a point where winning should have meant freedom - yet within days it was all gone. What followed wasn’t just financial damage, but isolation, fear, and thoughts he never expected to admit out loud. In this raw, honest conversation, Joe breaks down the moments that nearly broke him, the impact gambling had on his relationships and identity, and the turning point that led him toward recovery. If you’ve ever felt trapped in your own head because of gambling, this story will hit hard. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Relapse Prevention - Stay Away From Gamblign For GOOD - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ayojujpl6s54hxQxA90FG35EPcGD17- Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ Get in touch with Joe: Insta: https://www.instagram.com/winning.without.wagers?igsh=MTAyYWVlMGx0OWE4Zw== Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@winningwithoutwagers ⸻ 00:00 Joe Cannon Winning Without Wagers 02:41 The Early Days of Gambling 05:02 The Role of Bookies in Gambling Addiction 09:36 The Escalation of Gambling Behavior 13:41 The Impact of Gambling on Relationships 17:31 The Emotional Toll of Gambling Addiction 20:27 The Moment of Truth: Coming Clean 24:25 The Illusion of Winning and the Cycle of Addiction 27:08 The Highs and Lows of Gambling Streaks 32:24 The Illusion of Control in Gambling 36:51 Recovery Journey: From Addiction to Awareness 40:32 Building a New Life: The Role of Recovery 46:13 Taking the First Step(or 5): Practical Advice for Recovery 51:38 Rebuilding Relationships: The Challenge of Recovery 52:47 Being Present: The Joys of Fatherhood in Recovery ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
When Winning $583,742 Still Isn’t Enough | Joe’s Addiction Story
Marc Williams opens up about his journey through gambling addiction, the devastating impact it had on his career, relationships, and family, and how he turned his life around. From hiding his struggles during his football career to hitting rock bottom with massive debt, Marc shares the raw truth about the mental rollercoaster of addiction. This video explores the signs of gambling addiction, emotional triggers, and the importance of reaching out for help before it’s too late. If you’ve ever felt trapped, guilty, or hopeless because of gambling, Marc’s story offers hope and practical insights to start recovery today. Marc’s journey is filled with highs and lows—from winning big and chasing “just one more” spin, to breaking down emotionally next to his young daughter and realizing he needed help. He candidly shares the guilt of letting his parents and loved ones down, the struggles of self-control, and the moment he finally hit rock bottom that propelled him into recovery. Now, seven years sober, Marc dedicates his life to helping others through Epic Global Solutions, delivering education, prevention, and support for gambling harm globally. His story proves that no matter how deep the addiction, recovery is possible, and every step toward change counts. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Quit Gambling NOW - Recovery Tools & Support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDuTrJixp8&list=PL0ayojujpl6s2saDNuIpWLSdsvE10Quye&index=1 Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ 00:00 Introduction to Marc Williams and His Journey 08:54 The Early Influence of Gambling 15:04 Transition to Professional Football and Gambling Culture 19:42 The Impact of Professionalism on Gambling Habits 29:15 Injury and the Escalation of Gambling 37:20 The Realization of Gambling's Control 44:04 The Shift in Gambling Perspective 51:17 The Journey to Recovery Begins 1:00:22 Finding Purpose in Helping Others 1:05:17 The Work at Epic Global Solutions 1:12:31 Practical Steps for Overcoming Addiction ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com EPIC Global Solutions 👉 https://www.epicglobalsolutions.com/ 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
How This Ex Wrexham Striker Turned His Life Around
Rich G explains that the moment he stopped trying to control gambling and fully surrendered to recovery was the moment his life finally changed. He shares why willpower, systems, and “cutting back” never worked for him - and why surrendering to recovery is the only real way a compulsive gambler ever wins. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Quit Gambling NOW - Recovery Tools & Support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDuTrJixp8&list=PL0ayojujpl6s2saDNuIpWLSdsvE10Quye&index=1 Relapse Prevention - Stay Away From Gamblign For GOOD - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ayojujpl6s54hxQxA90FG35EPcGD17- Another Amazing Person Shares Their Gambling Addiction Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36xIaKuDf84&list=PL0ayojujpl6sbOc-tq5GkbKYFvVpByMNF ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ Gambling addiction is a serious issue affecting millions worldwide, from casual bettors to those struggling with compulsive gambling. Problem gambling can take many forms, including online gambling, casino addiction, and sports betting addiction, and often causes severe financial, emotional, and mental health challenges. Understanding the signs of gambling addiction and seeking help through addiction support networks or Gamblers Anonymous is essential for anyone facing this struggle. In this video, we explore gambling recovery strategies, coping with gambling urges, and effective gambling intervention techniques that can prevent relapse and support long-term recovery. Overcoming gambling requires dedication and the right tools, from therapy and lifestyle changes to engaging in Gamblers Anonymous meetings and following proven gambling treatment plans. We share inspiring recovery stories, practical advice for stopping gambling, and strategies to regain financial stability while managing gambling triggers. Whether it’s preventing compulsive gambling, addressing online gambling or casino addiction, or seeking addiction awareness and help for sports betting addiction, this video provides the guidance needed to stay stopped and reclaim your life. Start your journey toward gambling recovery today and learn how to break free from problem gambling for good. ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
Surrender to Gambling & Get into Recovery #gamblingaddiction
Addiction grows in silence, but recovery starts with a single sentence. Louis’ journey shifted the moment he stopped hiding and told the truth. You don’t need a perfect plan. Just start by telling someone. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Quit Gambling NOW - Recovery Tools & Support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDuTrJixp8&list=PL0ayojujpl6s2saDNuIpWLSdsvE10Quye&index=1 Relapse Prevention - Stay Away From Gamblign For GOOD - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ayojujpl6s54hxQxA90FG35EPcGD17- Another Amazing Person Shares Their Gambling Addiction Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36xIaKuDf84&list=PL0ayojujpl6sbOc-tq5GkbKYFvVpByMNF ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
Gambling $300,000 EVERY Weekend
Gambling addiction is often misunderstood as a money problem, but for many people it has nothing to do with how much is won or lost. In this conversation, Colin Brown opens up about his gambling addiction, the cycle of chasing bigger wins, repeated rock bottoms, and the painful reality that even a life-changing win would never have been enough. This episode explores gambling harm, compulsive gambling behaviour, relapse patterns, and the psychological grip that keeps people stuck. Colin won £12,000 at just 21 years old. Instead of relief, it triggered bigger dreams – £30,000, then £100,000. Every time he thought he could walk away, he was pulled back like a magnet to the roulette machine. The losses weren’t just financial – they were emotional, breaking down trust, family relationships, and self-belief. This is a raw look at what gambling addiction really feels like, and why stopping is so much harder than people think. ⸻ ▶️ Watch Next: Another Amazing Person Shares Their Gambling Addiction Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36xIaKuDf84&list=PL0ayojujpl6sbOc-tq5GkbKYFvVpByMNF ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com ⸻ Reach out to Colin Colins book: https://stan.store/leaprecoveryapp2025 Insta: https://www.instagram.com/thegamblingleap?igsh=MWw3ZXU5YTM5bGRxZA== Insta Leap app: https://www.instagram.com/goleapapp?igsh=MTVtMm9pcmk3MTJuOA== Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@gamblingleap?_r=1&_t=ZS-92EzQLjyWkT Youtube: https://youtube.com/@GoLeapApp?si=wYln1R5Dk0oygbPM Websites: https://www.gamblingleap.com https://www.leaprecoveryapp.com (App will be out in January, click above to find out more) ⸻ 00:00 Introduction to Colin Brown's Journey 08:46 Path to Recovery and Self-Awareness 16:46 The Impact of Big Wins on Gambling Addiction 24:46 Reflecting on Early Gambling Experiences 32:46 Facing Financial Consequences and Accountability 40:46 Seeking Help: GA Meetings and Support Systems 48:46 Rock Bottom Moments and Turning Points 56:46 The Role of Podcasts in Recovery 01:04:46 Conclusion and Future Outlook ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
I Won Big Money and It Destroyed My Life
▶️ Watch Next: Quit Gambling NOW - Recovery Tools & Support - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eQDuTrJixp8&list=PL0ayojujpl6s2saDNuIpWLSdsvE10Quye&index=1 Relapse Prevention - Stay Away From Gamblign For GOOD - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0ayojujpl6s54hxQxA90FG35EPcGD17- Another Amazing Person Shares Their Gambling Addiction Story - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36xIaKuDf84&list=PL0ayojujpl6sbOc-tq5GkbKYFvVpByMNF ✅ Subscribe for more gambling recovery content https://www.youtube.com/@AddictedRecovery?sub_confirmation=1 📸 Instagram for daily motivation https://www.instagram.com/addicted_recovery ⸻ Gambling addiction is a serious issue affecting millions worldwide, from casual bettors to those struggling with compulsive gambling. Problem gambling can take many forms, including online gambling, casino addiction, and sports betting addiction, and often causes severe financial, emotional, and mental health challenges. Understanding the signs of gambling addiction and seeking help through addiction support networks or Gamblers Anonymous is essential for anyone facing this struggle. In this video, we explore gambling recovery strategies, coping with gambling urges, and effective gambling intervention techniques that can prevent relapse and support long-term recovery. Overcoming gambling requires dedication and the right tools, from therapy and lifestyle changes to engaging in Gamblers Anonymous meetings and following proven gambling treatment plans. We share inspiring recovery stories, practical advice for stopping gambling, and strategies to regain financial stability while managing gambling triggers. Whether it’s preventing compulsive gambling, addressing online gambling or casino addiction, or seeking addiction awareness and help for sports betting addiction, this video provides the guidance needed to stay stopped and reclaim your life. Start your journey toward gambling recovery today and learn how to break free from problem gambling for good. ⸻ 🌍 Worldwide & Online Help Gamblers In Recovery - 24/7 online meetings 👉 https://www.gamblersinrecovery.com Gamban - Blocks gambling sites and apps 👉 https://www.gamban.com 📍 Search Google for your local Gamblers Anonymous meetings and free gambling counselling services near you. ⸻ Hashtags: #gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gambling #love
When Gambling Leads to Stealing
Subscribe to the channel

Get in Touch

Recovery Support Coaching

In addition to hosting The AddictedRecovery Show, I am a recovery support coach at Incumental, where I support individuals working toward recovery from gambling addiction. I provide practical, peer-based guidance to help you navigate urges, build consistency, and stay engaged in your recovery journey.

Through the Incumental app, you can access guided sessions, structured tools, and a range of recovery resources personalized to your needs and goals. If you’d like to connect, you can find me on the Incumental app as Coach Daniel.

@ 2025 Incumental, Inc. All rights reserved