Ep. 65 - Building Recovery Muscles with Brian Ward

The Casinos open back up and Adam has a rough weekend. Brian Ward is an International Gambling Recovery Specialist, IGCCB Board Approved Recovery Advisor, Certified Gambling Recovery Mentor, and SMART facilitator. He is also someone with lived experience. Growing up around gambling, it wasn’t until age 21 that a big win on Oregon’s VLTs set him on a dangerous path. What began as “easy money” became an escape from unresolved trauma and inner chaos. His rock bottom came when he stole to fund his habit—but instead of waiting to be caught, he turned himself in. That moment became the start of his recovery. 

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Chapters

• 0:00 Cold Open - Adam's Story
• 15:09 Interview with Brian Ward
• 17:16 Early Years, VLT's, Family Dynamics
• 30:03 Processing Trauma, Gambling Escalating, Stealing to Fund Gambling
• 39:00 Turning Himself In, Rock Bottom, Beginning of Recovery
• 54:42 Accepting Compassion, Why is Oregon so Awesome?
• 1:07:20 GA vs SMART Recovery
• 1:18:28 How Can We Be More Proactive in Prevention?
• 1:23:39 That Being Said...