Have you ever wondered about repeat offenders? It is not uncommon to hear about folks who get in legal trouble for using drugs or alcohol, and instead of remaining sober, they go back out and use again. It is difficult to understand how someone can keep engaging in the same behavior after losing everything. Repeat offenders are often called selfish and ungrateful. But what if the opposite is true? What if repeat offenders need compassion just like everyone else?
My Repeat Offender History
In 2012, I got arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol. My second DUI charge happened a few years later, in 2015. Between the ages of 23 and 28, I was arrested five times and admitted to inpatient treatment or rehab six times. For a decade, I was a chronic repeat offender. As soon as I left treatment or finished probation, I immediately drank again.
Each time I got in trouble, the consequences harshened. Instead of receiving holistic, evidence-based, compassionate care for a life-threatening condition, I received criminalization. The shame that I felt for struggling snowballed along with the punishments. I didn't think my life could get better. I couldn't escape a nagging inner monologue that said I was nothing more than an alcoholic loser who couldn't trust herself.
I was a repeat offender because I couldn't deal with the shame. Even with two college degrees, having a criminal record and no driver's license means I can't pass a background check. Only entry-level jobs tolerate criminal, repeat offenders like me. How could I survive and pay tens of thousands of dollars in student and legal debt while making minimum wage? How was I supposed to stand back up while being held underwater?
Repeat Offenders Have Been Harmed and Need Help
I got addicted to alcohol because I was living with unprocessed trauma. It does not make sense to meet traumatized humans with handcuffs. Repeat offenders are battling addiction in a system that actively works against them. It's no wonder my 20s were such a nightmare.
If I learned anything during my 20, it is that punishment does not lead to abstinence. My relationship with alcohol didn't change until I found a community steeped in love. They told me, for the first time, there was no need for fixing because I was not broken. I know it's hard to love and understand someone who struggles with repeat offenses. But trust me when I say we are not doing it to cause harm. We are doing it because we've been harmed and need help keeping our heads above water.
How do you feel about having too much information (TMI)? The ease with which we can communicate and learn in our world of ever-developing technology is astounding. At any time of day, virtually limitless information and entertainment are accessible at the touch of a button. But is having boundless knowledge so readily available a good thing, or is TMI making us unhappy?
Is TMI, Too Much Information, a Good Thing?
In today's rapidly evolving technological environment, unrestricted Internet access has transformed life far beyond what was conceivable just a few decades ago. We can access knowledge, entertainment, and communication immediately with only a smartphone or a computer. This abundance of information enables us to stay up-to-date, make informed decisions, and connect with others across the globe. We can learn about any topic of interest, explore new cultures, and access resources previously unavailable outside university libraries. However, amid this wealth of information lies the potential for input overload. Could there be a risk that the constant stream of TMI coming at us also poses undesirable consequences for our mental wellbeing?
Problems Associated with TMI
My biggest issue with TMI is the sense of being constantly bombarded. With so many options, how do we decide what to invest our time in reading, watching, or listening to? How do we filter the meaningful information from the worthless? Focusing on important tasks can be challenging amidst constant notifications and distractions, and the pressure to keep up with endless news streams, social media updates, and online content can be mentally taxing. Excessive use can fuel feelings of addiction, anxiety, depression, isolation, and the fear of missing out (FOMO).1
Unrestricted information sharing on the Internet and social media can reinforce confirmation bias, leading to echo chambers and filter bubbles. Echo chambers arise because powerful social media algorithms ensure we only see content that fits our preferences, creating tailored media experiences that eliminate opposing viewpoints and differing voices.2 Filter bubbles work similarly, where social media sites may hide posts from people with different perspectives, or a news site may only display articles it thinks we'll agree with.3
So, while it may look like we're getting the same content as everyone else, algorithms are tailoring everything we see to match our preferences. We only encounter information or opinions that reflect and reinforce our own, and we only see content based on what the social media companies think we'll like. It's easy to see the potential for polarizing opinions, enforcing one-sided views, and deterring critical thinking.
TMI and Our Happiness
Staying vigilant in this digital landscape may add to the stress of managing our online lives. How can we effectively balance the advantages of easy access to information while avoiding the pitfalls of TMI? One step is recognizing when information consumption overwhelms us and consciously taking a break. Setting limits for our online activities and diversifying our sources of information may help reduce the effects of confirmation bias. By fact-checking, cross-referencing sources, and seeking different perspectives, we can better prepare ourselves to make well-informed decisions.
Living in an age of unparalleled convenience and information accessibility brings virtually limitless opportunities and challenges. While abundant information enhances our lives in numerous ways, TMI can lead to stress, anxiety, and a loss of genuine connection. We can become trapped in a bubble of like-minded perspectives that only reinforce existing beliefs and cause us to disregard opposing viewpoints. Critical thinking can help us avoid these pitfalls and harness the benefits of today's technology while safeguarding our mental wellbeing and happiness.
Sources
Robinson, L. et al., (2023, March 29). Social Media and Mental Health. HelpGuide.org. https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/social-media-and-mental-health.htm
Seneca, C. (2020, September 17). How to Break Out of Your Social Media Echo Chamber. WIRED. https://www.wired.com/story/facebook-twitter-echo-chamber-confirmation-bias/
GCFGlobal.org. (n.d.). Digital Media Literacy: How Filter Bubbles Isolate You. Retrieved August 29, 2023, from https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/digital-media-literacy/how-filter-bubbles-isolate-you/1/
You can reclaim your power after trauma, although it can be challenging. A common issue I battle from my posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the feeling of powerlessness. I've found it's hard to foster empowerment after enduring a difficult or complex trauma — even when it gets set off years later. While PTSD might be an ongoing battle for many, with the effects of trauma often lingering, there are ways you can lessen its weight. Here are six habits I've been practicing to help reclaim my power.
How to Reclaim Your Power
1. Connecting with Your Community
In my experience, feeling like I'm part of a community has helped me avoid isolation and find a greater purpose. Especially as a woman, I've found it crucial to have a group of other females who share similar experiences or interests. During dark times, I know I can turn to these individuals for support, reassurance, and healthy validation rather than looking for love in the wrong places. This is helping me reclaim my power.
2. Taking Care of Your Health
When my mental health is suffering, my physical health usually ends up suffering, too. I find it difficult to take care of myself, often skipping meals or eating junk food and refusing to go outside or move my body. While it might not be intentional (sometimes I lack the energy to go out or simply forget to eat), failing to care for myself has only ever worsened my emotional state.
In trying to reclaim my power, I've found it beneficial to meal prep my food ahead of time (usually on Sundays while listening to an uplifting podcast or music) so I have healthy meals ready throughout the week. Additionally, I carve out time in my schedule each day to do some sort of exercise, whether it's walking outside, doing yoga, or even just dancing to my favorite songs. I also meditate each morning and night to help calm my mind and get back in touch with my body and breath.
3. Creating a Routine
Routines have been my saving grace for helping me reclaim my power. Every morning, I make sure to practice good habits like journaling, reading, and mindfully getting ready for the day. Rather than rushing straight to work, I wake a little earlier so I have time to prioritize my peace and set the tone for the day. Each night, I unwind by doing similar practices, ending the day on a positive note rather than mindlessly scrolling on my phone or staying up binging TV shows.
I've found that following a non-strict routine helps me practice self-discipline while still allowing me to do things that bring me joy. Developing these healthy habits has helped me feel more accomplished and built a sense of self-respect. I know certain rituals make me feel my best, and continuing to do them is a form of self-love and care for me.
4. Journaling Without Judgement
Writing down all your thoughts — without filtering or judging them — can bring a sense of relief and help you reclaim your power. This practice helps me understand what's weighing on me and why. There are many different journal prompts you can follow online, or you can simply free-write to vent out your frustrations, worries, or grief. Once I've finished journaling, I find myself feeling lighter, less confused, and more grounded. You can make this a daily practice or simply something you do whenever you feel compelled.
5. Cultivating a Comforting Space
Whether it's in your bedroom, car, apartment, or office, try to create an inviting environment where you can escape whenever you need alone time. For example, I make sure to decorate my apartment using warm colors, candles with endearing scents, and ambient lighting to elicit comfort. Additionally, I declutter and clean my space so I can feel safe, peaceful, and at home.
6. Setting Boundaries and Saying No
Saying no isn't as easy for some people as it is for others — and I am "some people." I'm not the best at rejecting people or putting my needs ahead of someone else's feelings, but that doesn't do me or anyone any good. I've learned there's a lot more power in setting boundaries and saying no to things you don't want to do than there is in simply trying to keep the peace. This will help you reclaim your power and hold strong in who you are.
I wouldn't say it's always a gift to have bipolar disorder, but I do believe it's a gift to receive a bipolar disorder diagnosis. A diagnosis can help you come to terms with the mental health disorder that you have and receive the right kind of support, such as therapy and medication. I have seen the power of a diagnosis in other people and myself. I suffered for years, not knowing why I felt so depressed with frequent suicidal thoughts. Once I received a diagnosis, I could then set up a plan to receive the most suitable support for me.
The Value Behind Taking Medication for Bipolar or Depression
As a person in recovery, I have received a lot of judgment and stigma around taking medication as part of my path to recovery. It is true that medication may not be the best path for every person with bipolar and depression. However, it was and continues to be absolutely essential for my healing and wellbeing.
The manic and depressive episodes were severe in my early 20s when I didn't yet have a diagnosis. There would be days on end when I was actively suicidal and felt extremely hopeless.
Around the age of 23, I received a proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It took a while to find the right combination of medications, but when I did, I felt like I could function again, hold a job, go to school, and have great relationships. I believe this was because the doctor gave me the right diagnosis and was educated on the best medications for bipolar disorder. The difference between me being on medications versus not being on medications was profound.
Once I started accepting it, I was able to receive support and feel empowered with the healthy choices I was making in order to improve my wellbeing. I started taking my medications diligently because I believed they were good for me, not because I was messed up. I started attending therapy regularly because I knew I deserved it.
Now, I don't just accept my bipolar disorder, but I celebrate it. It is a true gift in my life. I feel everything so deeply, and I am proud of that. I get to write about it, make social media content, be a speaker, and reduce stigma by working in the field. Today, I wake up grateful for this diagnosis and the fact that I have found a healthy path to recovery.
Living with an illness can be exhausting and defeating for anyone, especially someone healing from verbal abuse. When you are sick, the mind may explore possible outcomes, no matter how unlikely they may be. Unfortunately, the brain can be hard to shut off, particularly when the body is battling an illness.
Battling Illness Alongside Verbal Abuse
As someone with an autoimmune disease, I frequently visited doctors and stayed in the local hospital throughout my childhood. I was a vulnerable kid who just wanted to feel better, but I had to stay in the hospital almost every year for a few days to a week due to my illness.
When I felt my worst, I wanted someone to love and care for me. Unfortunately, this task fell on the doctors and nurses who attended to me instead of my immediate family. I got used to the circumstances each year when I would be admitted for care, away from my parents and sibling, as a regular occurrence.
In reality, I was broken because, as a young child, I realized I could not count on my parents for support and comfort when I needed it most. Thankfully, my extended family would visit me, bring me puzzle books and treats, and check up on me. I reluctantly accepted my situation as commonplace, something all children faced growing up.
Recovering from Verbal Abuse with an Illness
These days, I am still under a doctor's care. I have other health concerns that I deal with, but fortunately, I am no longer in a situation with verbal abuse. It doesn't mean that my recovery is more straightforward, though. Although years have passed since I was that young child, alone in the hospital, those feelings of abandonment and disregard still appear today.
I recently had a two-week hospital stay and was quite sick. My partner would visit me almost daily and bring our children when he could. I remember feeling hopeless and despair as I lay in bed, unable to move or rest comfortably. Once my husband arrived, I felt safer. His presence alone comforts me, even when I am not sick. He helped ward off those old feelings of being alone and forgotten.
Recovering from verbal abuse takes time. Each healing journey is unique, with individualized techniques and methods to combat the negative emotions felt from experiencing abuse. Those old feelings still come up now and then for me, but they are getting more infrequent as I heal.
When I am sick, my brain starts to dig up old memories and bother me, reliving my past experiences. It takes a lot of strength and determination to remember that I am a different person now. I am healing from verbal abuse and helping to break the cycle of violence in my family. It takes a strong person to move away from a verbally abusive situation, and when you are battling an illness, that fight becomes even more challenging.
If You Are Recovering from Verbal Abuse and an Illness
If you are recovering from verbal abuse with an illness, getting the support you need is vital. There are many ways to find help, from local groups to private counselors to friends and family. If you are sick and healing from verbal abuse, you can visit our resources page for assistance in your area.
A key strategy that I have found helpful for my anxiety has been journaling. Whether I am in the middle of an unexpected stressful situation or have encountered something that has triggered my anxiety, journaling helps to reduce my anxiety symptoms.
Why Journaling Is Helpful for Anxiety
There is great power in the written word, and I've found that in moments in which I feel extremely anxious, the ability to express my thoughts and feelings helps me to feel calmer.
Research has shown that journaling can help to reduce anxiety symptoms.1 When you experience anxiety, the physical symptoms can range from a fast heart rate to muscle tension. Journaling helps calm those symptoms and, as a result, can help to lessen anxiety.
One of the ways journaling is helpful for anxiety is that it can help you organize your thoughts. I've found that it helps me sort out what I am thinking. This is helpful because, while experiencing anxiety, I've found that one of the things that can make it worse is feeling a sense of chaos in my thoughts. However, journaling allows me to visualize them on paper and, as a result, make sense of them.
Additionally, in relation to this, I have found that expressing myself and seeing it on paper helps me to see what I do and do not have control over. One of the issues I have with anxiety is feeling a lack of control over a given situation, and being able to sort out my thoughts on paper helps to identify what I do have control over and, therefore, what I may be able to do something about. Ultimately, it can be helpful for me for problem-solving a situation that I may be experiencing stress about.
How I Journal to Help My Anxiety
I think one of the misconceptions about journaling is that it involves writing about what happened during the day in a diary. While that method may be helpful for some, I think it's beneficial for coping with anxiety to journal with a purpose.
For example, I will journal about events that are triggering my anxiety or about things that I am grateful for. I'll journal about struggles I am going through or about positive experiences that I've had. In any case, I sit down with an intent in mind when I journal.
Additionally, I've found it important to journal on a schedule that is most beneficial for me and use methods that I prefer, such as using a specific notebook. Using specific strategies for journaling helps to ensure that it is something I continue to do.
In the video below, I discuss the benefits of journaling.
Have you found journaling helpful for your anxiety? What strategies do you use? Share them in the comments below.
Source
Smyth, J. M., Johnson, J. A., Auer, B. J., Lehman, E., Talamo, G., & Sciamanna, C. N. (2018). Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General medical patients with Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: a preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 5(4), e11290. https://doi.org/10.2196/11290
There is a bridge from alcoholism to recovery. I could best describe my active alcoholism as a series of flaming dumpster fires and broken, smoldering bridges. Conversely, my recovery is more about building new bridges and slowly dusting off the debris from the burned ones from my past. For me, regular self-evaluation helps me pinpoint my mental health status. I do this because better mental health bridges the gap between my recovery and alcoholism.
What Came First? Alcoholism or Poor Mental Health?
This is the chicken and the egg conundrum regarding addiction -- which came first? Did I have a mental condition before alcoholism, or did my addiction cause or exasperate an underlying condition?
I'm almost certain that I've always had mental health issues and can recall feeling this from a young age. I couldn't form this into words at five, but I knew something was different about me.
A study into the relationship between alcoholism and psychiatric conditions also notes the difficulty in assessing and separating the two diagnoses.1
The practical way to start is by removing alcohol from the equation to see what remains -- and I remember feeling anxious about what would be left.
My Mental Health Diagnosis Started to Build the Bridge from Alcoholism to Recovery
In my previous HealthyPlace blog, I discussed how Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) got me through the early stages of recovery. However, I never felt that glowing feeling everyone else seemed to be enjoying.
Part of my alcoholism treatment was regular sessions with a psychiatrist who had experience with addiction and dual diagnosis. Everything fell into place after a few months of adjusting medication and in-depth appointments. Several irrational incidents and experiences from my past now had more context.
A heavy weight lifted off my shoulders. The best way I can describe it was an awakening. Better mental health was my true bridge from alcoholism to recovery.
The Bridge from Alcoholism to Recovery: Improved Mental Health
Ultimately, I'm accountable for the quality of my mental health. I'm not mentally ill because treatment is in place. I have a support system and people I can turn to if addiction issues crop up.
There's a freedom that comes with acceptance and accountability. I'm building bridges -- each day in sobriety gets me closer to the other side.
Source
Shivani, R. (2002). Alcoholism and Psychiatric Disorders: Diagnostic challenges. PubMed Central (PMC). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6683829/
Understanding the difference between self-confidence and self-worth has helped me on my mental illness recovery journey. Self-confidence is more exterior, valuing my abilities and external presentation. Self-worth is my internal view of myself and what I deserve. Learn more about mental illness and self-confidence versus self-worth below.
Self-Confidence While Mentally Ill
In my early 20s, I was often complimented on my self-confidence. It appeared that I knew what I wanted, said what I wanted, did what I wanted, and loved myself while doing it.
I was no stranger to manic episodes, which fueled my mindset of I-can-do-no-wrong-and-face-no-consequences. Once I started mood stabilizers and taking my recovery seriously, my self-image and confidence disintegrated substantially, leaving me to face how I truly felt about myself.
Low Self-Worth and Mental Illness
I had been self-confident, but I severely lacked self-worth because of my mental illness. I could look at myself in the mirror and think, "What a wonderful person," but my actions were not aligned.
There were years of poisoning my body and putting myself in harm's way. It was behind closed doors that I struggled with self-harm, substance abuse, and even an attempt to end my life.
No one would have known this because I exuded such a powerful perception of self-confidence that I had even tricked myself. Underneath my persona lived the part of me that didn't think I was deserving.
Uncovering Self-Worth on the Mental Illness Healing Journey
I'm still struggling to rebuild my self-confidence with mental illness. I fall victim to the comparison game, and I doubt my writing, my work, and even my hobbies. I've spent hours in front of a mirror reciting every detail I would change.
But while working on my journey to recover from my mental illness and reinstall a healthy level of self-confidence, I uncovered my self-worth.
For me, self-worth doesn't mean I'm always certain of myself. It means that I know at the end of the day, I'm going to forgive myself for not being perfect. It means I'm at the point where I can have honest conversations instead of guarded attacks. I can be part of my first serious, healthy relationship in years because I'm worthy of love. I've moved past long-held grudges and anger because not only do other people deserve forgiveness, but I deserve to forgive myself as well.
Building Self-Worth with a Mental Illness
My self-worth is the sticky note on my mirror that says, "I am beautiful. I am confident. I am grateful for my body."
Even though I'm working on building my confidence around my self-image, it's my self-worth that knows that healing my thoughts is more important than changing my body; no matter what I look like, I'm worthy of loving myself.
This is not to diminish the importance of self-confidence. A healthy level of self-confidence is necessary for mental illness recovery. One has to believe in themselves to achieve their goals, but I do think the concept of self-worth is what drives someone to create those goals.
Understanding the importance of self-worth made me understand why it is so crucial to recovery. Knowing my self-worth keeps me going and reminds me that I'm worth recovering for.
Over the past week, I have been reflecting on the acute but nuanced complexity of living in a woman's body. (That is, anyone who identifies as a woman, including those in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, plus [LGBTQ+] community.) This isn't a new revelation, of course. I've written about how sexism fuels eating disorder behaviors and my own experiences to corroborate that. But I often shove any potential threat of bodily harm, control, or objectification to the margins of my subconscious in order to function as a human. Most women I know default to this coping mechanism as well. However, thanks to a recent global controversy, I (and countless others) am once again forced to reckon with the complexity of living in a woman's body.
Why I'm Talking About the Complexity of Living in a Woman's Body
To provide some brief context: On August 20, 2023, the Spanish women's national soccer team won the final match in the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Women's World Cup tournament. However, as these newly minted champions were given their medals on the winner's podium, Luis Rubiales, President of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, kissed a star female player named Jennifer Hermoso on her lips.
In the several hours that followed, this image was circulated across international television and social media, inciting fury at what seemed to be a violation of Hermoso's physical boundaries. While Rubiales referred to the kiss as "mutual, euphoric, and consensual," Hermoso called his explanation "categorically false."1 In a public statement, she shared her own views on the incident:
"I feel the need to denounce what happened because I believe that no person in any work, sports, or social environment should be a victim of this type of non-consensual behavior. I felt vulnerable and the victim of an aggression, an impulsive, machista [chauvinistic] act, out of place and without any consent on my part . . . I want to reiterate that I do not have to support the person who has committed this action against my will, without respecting me."2
I applaud that courage to advocate for herself in such a resolute, commanding way. I hope she feels empowered to continue using her platform to seek justice and accountability for this man's behavior. I also hope she has a strong network of close friends, teammates, and family members to lean on as the situation escalates further. I obviously do not know how she is coping behind the scenes, but the Royal Spanish Football Federation's subsequent response is why I feel motivated to talk about this issue — and what it reveals about the complexity of living in a woman's body. While threatening to sue Hermoso, the Federation issued the following accusation:
"The evidence is conclusive. The President has not lied . . . We have to state that Ms. Jennifer Hermoso lies in every statement she makes against the President."3
What This Shows About the Complexity of Living in a Woman's Body
In essence, this institution has chosen to tarnish the credibility of a woman while, in the same breath, enabling a man who forced himself on her. Although millions of viewers across the globe witnessed his actions with their own eyes in real-time, both Rubiales and the Spanish Federation sought to blame Hermoso, the victim of this scenario.
These attacks on her statement feel personal. I ache for Hermoso because I have also watched as my reputation was smeared by a powerful man who refused to acknowledge his violation of my boundaries. I know the frustration of being told that my experience is inaccurate, that my word is refutable, and that I will not be given protection when touched without consent. This is the complexity of living in a woman's body — it's hard to feel safe.
Have you been following the Jennifer Hermoso story in the news? What are your thoughts on this particular issue? Do you resonate with the complexity of living in a woman's body? Has the societal treatment of woman-identifying bodies ever contributed to unhealthy coping mechanisms or eating disorder behaviors in your own life? For anyone who feels comfortable sharing, I would love to hear more insights from the members of this community.
Sources
Noyen, M. (2023, August 26). Spain’s star women’s soccer player Jenni Hermoso could be sued, FIFA suspends Luis Rubiales as World Cup kiss fiasco escalates. Insider. https://www.insider.com /spain-soccer-player-jenni-hermoso-being-sued-world-cup-kiss-2023-8
Kassam, A. (2023, August 26). Jenni Hermoso ‘did not consent’ to being kissed by Rubiales. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/25/spain-womens-football-team-will-refuse-to-play-until-rubiales-quits
Lewis, A., et al. (2023, August 26). Spain’s football federation accuses World Cup winner of lying about kiss from president. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2023/08/26/sport/spain-football-federation-legal-action-jennifer-hermoso-spt-intl
As much of the world changes, areas like gambling addiction patterns are likely to go unnoticed by most, but as someone who has battled the grips of gambling addiction, I see the evolving trends in gambling and addiction patterns.
In the past couple of years, the gambling landscape has significantly changed as technology makes gambling more accessible and societal norms change. With these changes come new challenges that much of the gambling community is ill-equipped to handle.
Emerging Trends in Gambling Addiction Patterns
The proliferation of smartphones has put gambling at our fingertips, meaning it is no longer confined to casinos and betting shops. Today, people have access to online gambling platforms on the go, and what’s more, they now offer a plethora of attractive and irresistible options. This convenience has brought gambling to homes, workplaces, and vacation spots, and with this comfort, temptations lurk in every corner. Social media and influencers also sometimes promote gambling activities, increasingly normalizing risky behaviors.
Gamification has become a buzzword that bridges gaming and gambling. This convergence continues to blur the line between gambling and entertainment. Now, gambling is embedded in video games, mobile games, and apps, not to mention esports and sports betting, making it easier for susceptible individuals and recovering gambling addicts to fall into the claws of gambling addiction.
Digital currencies promise to revolutionize the financial landscape for the better, but as far as gambling addiction patterns are concerned, crypto and other digital payment methods are a double-edged sword. Thanks to the anonymity and speed of transactions, it is now easier than ever to gamble on impulse. Furthermore, this new digital payment age makes it difficult for people to distinguish reality from the virtual world.
As a recovering gambling addict, I can attest to the allure of these new trends and gambling addiction patterns. I can also see how the blurred lines, deviation from traditions, and the drawing of new boundaries of gambling almost endorse addiction.
The New Difficulties in Recovery Thanks to Gambling Addiction Patterns
Looking at these new gambling addiction patterns, I see the increasing difficulties for people battling addiction. Now, recovery is more than just staying away from gambling spots because they are just a click away, and the ads are on mainstream media. Now more than ever, it is crucial to put support systems and advocacy in place and educate people on the importance of confronting these patterns to avoid falling victim to the charm of gambling addiction.
To learn more, you are welcome to watch the video below:
