Boxing Champion’s Fight Against Gambling Addiction: Elizabeth Thielen's Recovery Story

TJ sits down with Elizabeth, a former Golden Gloves boxing champion, to talk about her journey through gambling addiction and long-term recovery. Elizabeth shares how her upbringing, athletic drive, and devastating losses fueled her compulsive gambling, and how she eventually found hope, healing, and connection through recovery.From the thrill of Las Vegas to the crushing impact of debt and shame, Elizabeth’s story shines a light on the risks athletes face, the hidden dangers of gambling, and the importance of connection in recovery. Overseeing Gambling Prevention, Intervention and Treatment at Nicasa Behavioral Health Services: https://nicasa.org/program/adult-gambling-treatment/Educating collegiate athletes about gambling harm at EPIC Global Solutions: https://www.epicglobalsolutions.com/about-us/💜 September is National Recovery Month—and this year, we’re making sure recovery from gambling disorder is part of the conversation. Share a few words about what recovery means to you, and your message could inspire someone who feels alone.  https://forms.gle/NxngSPjZRrL9TtUa9 00:00 Introduction and Host's Recovery Journey00:15 Guest's Background and Early Gambling Experiences00:32 Family Influence and Gambling Culture02:06 Athlete Mentality and Gambling Addiction05:53 Boxing Career and Injury07:57 Loss and Escalation of Gambling09:17 Realization and Attempt to Control Gambling14:42 Quitting Gambling and Early Non-Recovery15:48 Facing the Past: Compartmentalization and Shame16:15 Specializing in Gambling Disorder Counseling17:12 The Turning Point: Seeking Recovery17:37 First Steps in Recovery: Meetings and Support20:07 Understanding and Forgiving Yourself21:03 The Importance of Connection in Recovery23:26 Financial Consequences and Genuine Accountability25:18 Recognizing Lingering Risk Behaviors28:43 Gambling Education and Risk Factors33:43 Advice for Early Recovery ----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 TikTokhttps://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