#54: A Parent's Journey Through Gambling Addiction | Kim Freudenberg

In this episode of The Collector’s Compass, Alyx sits down with Kim Freudenberg, founder of Parents Standing Together, a nonprofit supporting parents and families impacted by gambling-related harm.After experiencing firsthand the devastating effects gambling addiction can have on a family, Kim transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she leads parent support groups, speaks nationally about prevention and awareness, and has become a strong advocate for families navigating gambling-related challenges.Kim has also been an incredible supporter of Collectors MD. She serves on our Advisory Board, has made countless introductions throughout the recovery community, and has consistently recognized the growing overlap between modern collecting and gambling-related behaviors.Alyx and Kim discuss her personal journey and the events that led to the creation of Parents Standing Together. They explore what addiction looks like through a parent's eyes, the fear, confusion, and isolation families experience, and why support for loved ones is often overlooked in recovery conversations.They also examine how gambling has evolved over the past decade and why today's environments have become increasingly difficult for families to navigate. Kim shares what she's hearing from parents across the country, why younger generations face unique challenges, and why activities like sports cards, TCG's, and other gambling-adjacent behaviors are emerging in more family conversations.They focus on the power of community, recovery, and hope. Kim discusses helping families move from isolation to connection, the challenges of supporting someone without enabling harmful behaviors, and lessons she's learned through leading support groups and advocating for parents nationwide.Finally, they discuss prevention, education, and the future of support. They explore the roles schools, treatment providers, and public health organizations can play in raising awareness earlier, why collaboration matters, and what gives them hope as Parents Standing Together and Collectors MD continue to grow.This episode is about family, awareness, prevention, and the reminder that no one should have to navigate addiction alone.If you've ever wondered what addiction looks like from a parent's perspective, questioned how modern environments are shaping risk for younger generations, or wanted to better understand how families can support one another through difficult seasons, this is a conversation worth listening to.Addiction never impacts just one person. It affects entire families. And often, healing begins when people realize they are not alone.Subscribe, share, and join the conversation around awareness, prevention, family support, and building healthier communities.Watch The Episode On YouTubeLearn More & Join The Movement:Website: collectorsmd.comNonprofit: lohas.org/client/the-cmd-foundationSocials: bio.collectorsmd.comWeekly Meetings: bit.ly/45koiMXContact: [email protected]: ‪@collectorsmdIG: @collectorsmdLearn More About Parents Standing Together:Website: parentsstandingtogether.orgIG: @parentsstandingtogetherFB: bit.ly/4oIQcuaLI: bit.ly/3T0mMMfHelp for Problem Gambling: Call or Text 800-GAMBLERThis Episode of The Collector's Compass is sponsored by ‪All Touch Case, a premium display and protection solution designed to showcase your cards while keeping them safe. Use code COLLECTORSMD for 15% of your order. Collect. Protect. It’s a peace of mind.#CollectorsMD | #TheCMDFoundation | #ParentsStandingTogether | #RipResponsibly