I’m 23, Lost Nearly $1 Million Gambling, and Just Got Diagnosed with a Brain Tumor—Need Advice

I’ve been struggling a lot lately and could really use some advice. I’m 23, and my life feels like it’s completely falling apart. Over the past couple of years, I’ve developed a gambling addiction that’s spiraled way out of control. I’ve lost close to $1 million, and even just typing that out feels surreal and painful.

It started out small, just a way to unwind or add excitement to my life. But over time, it became something I couldn’t stop. I kept chasing my losses, convincing myself I’d win it all back, but instead, I just dug myself deeper. I’ve drained my finances, strained relationships, and done serious damage to my mental health.

And if that wasn’t enough, a few weeks ago, I got hit with even worse news. I was diagnosed with a pituitary tumor, a type of brain tumor. While it’s not cancerous, it’s still serious, and I’m still figuring out how much it’s affecting me physically and mentally. Between the gambling problem and this diagnosis, I feel like I’m at rock bottom.

I know I need to make a change. I can’t keep living like this. I’ve tried to stop gambling before, but it’s like I’m addicted to the cycle. The highs and lows, the hope that the next bet will fix everything—it’s consuming.

If anyone here has been through something similar, I’d love to hear your advice: • How do I even start recovering from a gambling addiction? • Are there specific programs or resources that worked for you? • How do I rebuild trust with the people I’ve hurt? • How do I stay hopeful and motivated when it feels like I’ve lost so much?

Right now, I feel like I’m drowning in regret, but I don’t want to give up on myself. I know recovery won’t be easy, but I’m ready to try. If you’ve been in a similar place, I’d really appreciate hearing your story or advice.

Thank you for reading and for any guidance you can offer.

—A 23-year-old trying to rebuild and recover.