From Hitting Big to Hitting Bottom: A Cautionary Gambling Tale

Could a single win at a casino change the course of your life? Scott Meyer joins us to recount his emotional journey from casual gambling with friends and family to an all-consuming addiction that started with a jackpot win at age 32. Scott paints a vivid picture of how offshore gambling sites turned his pastime into an obsession that threatened his relationships and career. His story is a stark illustration of the warning signs of problem gambling and the courage it takes to confront the issue both personally and with loved ones.
We also shine a light on the transformative power of peer support in recovery, a path Scott himself has embraced. Alongside Brenda Harris-Collins from the Recovery Bureau at OASAS, we explore how Scott's role in peer support fosters a sense of community and hope for those affected by gambling harm. We discuss initiatives to expand access to trained peers and the development of a peer training curriculum, which aim to build a robust support network through community outreach centers. This episode promises insights not only into the struggles of gambling addiction but also the inspiring resilience found in recovery.