Episode Details

Ted shares his gambling addiction story

🤝 How I Quit Gambling: https://youtu.be/NurCWVRYVEY?si=zzmegEOfNIxqmomg

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About Ted: Mr. Hartwell holds an M.A. in Anthropology from Texas Tech University and in 2023 retired from a 32-year position on the research faculty of the Desert Research Institute (DRI) of the Nevada System of Higher Education to serve as the Executive Director of the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling (NVCPG), and later its Director of Storytelling. He recently resigned from the NVCPG to explore other advocacy opportunities. As a person in long-term recovery from a serious gambling addiction, he has promoted awareness, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling for over 15 years.

Ted shares how his relationship with gambling shifted over time, how moving to Las Vegas intensified everything, and how machine gambling became an escape from real life. And eventually, it led to lying, hidden debt, and a double life. This conversation dives deep into the psychology of gambling addiction—the mental gymnastics, the denial, the rationalization—and the moment everything starts to unravel. Ted opens up about hiding his addiction from his family, the impact it had on his relationships, and the turning point that finally pushed him to seek real help. Now 18+ years in recovery, he shares what actually worked, what didn’t, and what people get wrong about quitting.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/resources

👀 Do you have a gambling addiction? Watch this to find out: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPmaejpuzCcnfWaFOaPt2mSu&si=_pg9d3S7ddsnX-xb

1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLQirxbLdrgPneNZshy-heKIhm9ftfqpwm&si=RgIHxiIJjC0Wi7yr

🧐 Recently Relapse? Watch This: https://youtu.be/QB2eJmU86Bk?si=vsTdyeXYhO4Kj1qz

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