onesamaritan

Sharing the story of God's grace through addiction recovery. Last drug and bet 3/6/2024. Luke 17:11-19

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@nobetnation It's amazing how watching sports is enjoyable again, huh?

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@Tipsfromthebook I tell people all the time that you will just come out a better person on the other end of working the steps. I truly feel like I'm a better version of myself than before the compulsive gambling ever started.

#gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

Gambling addiction hijacks the brain's reward system. The dopamine response becomes driven by the anticipation of the next reward, or just the possibility of winning. It's hard to rationalize or explain behavior that is leading straight to destruction, but that's what happens in a hijacking.

It's heartbreaking when a compulsive gambler thinks they are better and can gamble normally. It usually winds up in a tragic relapse like the one you're describing. I'm fortunate to still have my marriage and kids.

Thanks for bringing awareness to this. There are more stories like this than anyone realizes.

#gamblingaddiction

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

I love this. As someone in addiction recovery, this resonates deeply. When you finally come to terms with your inability to save yourself, the grace of Christ becomes the hope you cling to.

The more deeply you understand the debt Christ has forgiven, the more deeply you love Him. Recovery has a way of stripping away self-righteousness and exposing our desperate need for grace.

#addictionrecovery #gamblingaddiction

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

Thanks for the honesty, brother. God works in recovery in mighty ways. When someone speaks out about their #gamblingaddiction and story of repentance, it's powerful and pushes back the darkness this disease thrives in.

Psalm 25:15 - "My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for he will pluck my feet out of the net."

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@kiwienjoyer1337 Hey man. Can you tell me what tools you are using to try to abstain from gambling? It's definitely true that your brain is going to continue to look for that dopamine hit, but it can certainly rewire and heal. #gamblingaddiction

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@nobetnation Congratulations, brother. It keeps getting better. Keep bringing encouragement to those in recovery from #gamblingaddiction!

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

The difference is that one sees trouble as evidence that God has failed, while the other sees trouble as one of the tools God uses to conform us to Christ.

The psalmist delights in God's Word not because it spared him from anguish, but because it sustained him through it. Scripture never promises a life free from suffering. It teaches that God uses suffering for our sanctification (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4).

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

Yes. Hardship is normal for Christians. I think pain is a universal language that helps us fulfill the great commission. God often uses our trials not only to grow our faith, but to equip us to serve others and share the gospel.

"God comforts us... so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction." (2 Cor. 1:4)

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

As someone who works on a helpline now, the number of calls we get where we are asked to help them learn how to gamble responsibly is insane. They will resist any abstinence-based resources or discussion because they don't believe they have a #gamblingaddiction, they just need to learn how to gamble responsibly and under control.

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@GamblingHarmOrg This is basically the equivalent of a liquor advertisement glorifying someone passed out from a night of binge drinking. These Kalshi ads are all jokes and fun and seem suspiciously targeted at a certain age demographic. #gamblingaddiction

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@Tipsfromthebook Gambling addiction thrives in isolation and secrecy. If you try to fight it alone and in the dark, it can kill you. When you drag it out into the light and fight it with community, healing begins. You have to have the humility to know you can't do it alone.

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

Amen. "With God's power and strength" is also really key.

I spent years trying to overcome addiction through my own power and strength. I made promises. I though I could summon the willpower on my own. I tried diving into Stoicism because I thought the answer was becoming more disciplined, more resilient, and more self-controlled through my own strength.

That conviction of heart should lead to acknowledging our weakness and dependence on Christ. Through Him, we are given the power to walk in obedience and self-control.

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

"My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net." — Psalm 25:15

One thing I've noticed in recovery is how easy it is to keep our eyes fixed on the net.

The addiction.
The temptation.
The failures.
The consequences.
The number of days sober.

But David doesn't say to stare at the net. He says to keep our eyes fixed on the Lord.

The goal isn't to become obsessed with avoiding the trap. The goal is to pursue Christ.

The addict says, "How do I stay out of the net?"

The believer says, "How do I stay near the Savior?"

One keeps your attention on the problem.
The other keeps your attention on the One who delivers.

My eyes are ever toward the LORD, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net.

#gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #Psalm25 #JesusChrist

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

Addiction wants to become your identity.

Gambling addict.
Drug addict.
Alcoholic.
Broken.
Hopeless.

But if you are in Christ, your identity is not found in your addiction. Your identity is found in the One who redeemed you.

You are not what you have done.
You are not the mistakes that haunt you.
You are who the Bible says you are in Jesus Christ.

The healing, forgiveness, redemption, and hope you are looking for can be found in the gospel.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
— 2 Corinthians 5:17

#gamblingaddiction #addictionrecovery #gospel

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@SpurgeonBooks This applies to anyone suffering with #gamblingaddiction or walking through any type of #addictionrecovery. Addiction leaves people feeling hopeless and isolated but the gospel tells a different story. Healing and restoration are possible through the love and grace of Christ.

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@DerwinLGray Thanks for bringing attention to this. My last bet was on March 6, 2024. The gospel breaks the chains of #gamblingaddiction just like any other addiction. Shame can prevent you from accepting the healing. I'm praying more compulsive gamblers turn to Christ in recovery.

[onesamaritan @one_samaritan]

@monteluna @annamlulis I was wondering the same thing. I don't think, "not really a man of faith," equates to atheist. Is that the only basis for calling him an atheist or has he said that elsewhere?

[888-ADMIT-IT® @FLCouncil]

Problem gambling is a growing threat to student athletes — even those who never bet. This National Student-Athlete Day, learn the risks and how to help.

Gambling problem? Call or text 888-ADMIT-IT.

https://t.co/6Y4xQQZs2W

#NatlSADay #ProblemGambling