How Gambling and Alcohol Nearly Cost Him Everything: A Dual Recovery Story

Stephen Matos, a person in long-term recovery, joins TJ on the Recovery Matters podcast to share his incredible journey since his last use of drugs and alcohol in 1986 and his last gambling experience in 1987. Stephen opens up about his upbringing in Hartford, Connecticut, where his father was deeply entrenched in gambling activities. He recounts how his own descent into alcohol, drugs, and gambling almost destroyed his life, leading to broken relationships and financial ruin. However, recovery came through Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and intensive outpatient programs. Stephen highlights his role as a peer counselor in Connecticut's exemplary problem gambling treatment programs, underscoring the importance of lived experience in offering hope and support to others. His narrative also sheds light on the stigma surrounding gambling addiction and the critical need for comprehensive treatment and recovery resources. 00:00 Introduction and Host Backgrounds 00:36 Growing Up with a Gambling Father 04:51 Early Exposure to Alcohol and Drugs 06:59 The Impact of Gambling on Relationships 09:58 Descent into Addiction 16:15 Turning Point and Seeking Help 18:30 Recovery Journey and Support Systems 21:51 The Journey of Recovery 21:58 Managing Money and Responsibilities 22:24 The Role of AA and GA in Recovery 22:48 Strained Relationship with Father 23:24 Making Amends and Financial Accountability 23:52 Mending the Relationship with Father 24:27 A New Chapter: Becoming a Peer Counselor 25:06 Training and Embracing Multiple Pathways of Recovery 25:58 Working with Problem Gamblers and Their Families 27:58 Connecticut's Leading Gambling Treatment Programs 29:37 The Importance of Lived Experience in Recovery 33:03 Helpline and Support Resources 35:20 Advice for Newcomers in Recovery 36:48 Addressing Stigma and Shame in Gambling Addiction 41:05 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude   ----Across the Web---- 🌎 CCAR Website https://www.ccar.us ✉️ Donate: https://ccar.us/donate/ 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Apple Music): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎙Recovery Matters Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/1wGUMMO... 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@recoverymatterspodcast? 🗣Recovery Matters Podcast Instagram https://www.instagram.com/recoverymatterspodcast/ 🗣CCAR Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CCAR4Recovery 📸CCAR Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccar4recovery 🐦CCAR Twitter: https://twitter.com/ccar4recovery