The Gambling Addiction Crisis No One Is Prepared For

Gambling has changed dramatically. What once required a trip to a casino or a call to a bookie is now available on your phone 24 hours a day—and people are developing devastating problems faster than ever. In this episode of the CBR Podcast, Bobby and Rob sit down with gambling addiction experts Marc Lefkowitz and Deborah Buhaj to discuss the rapid rise of sports betting, the targeting of young adults, gambling-related suicide risk, and why so many people don’t recognize their behavior as an addiction until they’re already in crisis. Learn more about SBS here: https://stopbettingsports.com/ Marc brings nearly 30 years of experience as a gambling counselor and 43 years of personal recovery. Deborah is a gambling addiction therapist and the founder of Stop Betting Sports, a national prevention and education initiative. They discuss: Why sports betting can become addictive so quickly How gambling affects the brain like substance use Physical and emotional gambling withdrawal symptoms The connection between gambling, trauma, and mental health Why chasing losses keeps people trapped How advertising and influencers normalize dangerous behavior The role families can play in recovery What effective gambling addiction treatment actually looks like Gambling addiction is treatable. If gambling is affecting your finances, relationships, mental health, or ability to stop, you don’t have to face it alone. Learn more about Carlsbad Beach Recovery: https://carlsbadbeachrecovery.com/ This episode discusses suicide, self-harm, and addiction. If you’re in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.