53. Life As A Recovering Gambling Addict with Patrick Chester

A recent study in the U.S. has shown that nearly 10 million Americans struggle with compulsive gambling every year. While it may not have physical effects like drug abuse or other addictions, it's still something that can damage your relationships, finances, and life.  Welcome back to Warriors Unmasked! Today we have an incredible conversation with father of two, professional speaker and mental health advocate, and recovering gambling addict, Patrick Chester. If the statistic previously shared hits close to home, you're going to want to stick around for this episode. Patrick lets us into his journey of how innocent bets on football games became an insatiable addiction to gambling. Eventually, leaving Patrick with no job, a marriage on the rocks, and sitting in jail.  Listen in as Patrick opens up about the moment he hit rock bottom, as well as how he found the strength and hope to continue living in recovery. The day he stepped out of jail was the first day he experienced freedom, not just in the physical, but from the overwhelming monster that a gambling addiction brings. You'll hear the best steps to begin the process of recovery, the support system you can find no matter where you are, and what life looks like free of addiction.  This story is sure to bring you to the edge of your seat as you listen to Patrick's struggle and eventual victory over addiction. For more resources, or to connect with Patrick, check out the links below!  More Of What's Inside: The addiction to gambling Understanding the disease of addiction  Finding hope during recovery Why your story matters Falling into the cycle of rationalizing addiction How gambling affected Patrick's loved ones The moment he hit rock bottom Life after recovery as a gambling addict The last bet Patrick ever made Finding freedom from addiction  The support system that helped Patrick recover  And much more!   GUEST LINKS: Twitter: http://twitter.com/@patrickchester9 Phone number: 425-492-0556 LINKS: malarchuk.com/book  malarchuk.com  www.thecompassionateconnection.com  www.warriorsunmasked.com  Follow us on Instagram Like us on Facebook Subscribe To Our YouTube My Community Contact   Episode Minute By Minute: 0:02 - A look into the episode! 2:13 - Introducing Patrick Chester 7:26 - Finding hope in the struggle 10:37 - How the gambling addiction started 14:54 - The anxiety of hiding an addiction 18:39 - When Patrick's business fell apart 21:47 - Struggling with mental illness after 25:07 - How gambling became a high for Patrick 26:53 - The moment Patrick changed his thinking 32:02 - Faith that helped Patrick find recovery 34:10 - Rebuilding trust with his family  38:58 - Dealing with the aftermath of a gambling addiction 43:34 - Feeling thankful for the struggles of life 48:42 - Patrick's advice for you 50:07 - Where to connect with Patrick 50:35 - Closing thoughts