I Lost Everything...Even My Childhood | Nick's Gambling Addiction

I interview Nick Ruiz about his gambling addiction story.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/ZUx9qIm4sNY

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From Nick: My name is Nick Ruiz, I am a 39 year old who had been addicted to gambling for close to 20 years. I have been clean since 2/15/25. I am a father to two sons. Being sober now for over 7 months now how changed my life in so many positive ways. I now enjoy and appreciate the little things in life. Gambling caused so much stress and chaos in my life. I was unable to sleep, concentrate, be a good father and friend. Every day was about chasing the losses and believing I could get everything I lost back. I’m glad to finally say I’m clean and that horror is now behind me. Nick Ruiz started gambling before he could drive—scratch-offs with his granddad, then illegal trips to local tribal casinos at 14–15. What began as family “fun” became a decade of slot-machine obsession, lies, panic attacks, and financial collapse. In this raw interview, Nick (now a professional wrestler who’s worked with WWE/AEW) details how jackpots lost their thrill, how addiction isolated him from friends and his sons, and the night everything finally broke. With his mom by his side, he self-excluded for life and rebuilt: setting boundaries, rediscovering simple joys, repairing family trust, and finding peace of mind. If you’re chasing losses or terrified of life without gambling, this conversation shows a real path out—surrender, get support, put safeguards in place, and start again. Need financial recovery help?

This channel is dedicated to spreading awareness about gambling addiction and helping individuals better understand the risks of excessive gambling. Through powerful storytelling, educational content, and real-life experiences, we aim to shine a light on the dangers of gambling and provide tools for recovery. Whether you're seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our mission is to create a safe space for open conversations about gambling addiction.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources 1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr 😅 Subscribe To Avoid Making The Same Mistakes I Did: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCH8s1lNHQbXzltQg_aXMAQA?sub_confirmation=1