Learn valuable insights from his experiences and understand the importance of sharing addiction stories to help others overcome their struggles. Check out this summary, or listen to the full podcast episode here.
Super summary:
Craig Carton openly discussed his gambling addiction and recovery journey. By sharing his story, Craig aimed to raise awareness about gambling addiction and help others. His experiences in gambling rehab, emotional moments from his documentary, struggles with mental health, and dedication to honesty and helping others are all crucial aspects of his journey. Craig’s story illustrates the importance of support, understanding, and the power of sharing experiences to help others heal.
Main takeaways:
- The power of sharing personal experiences to help others
- The importance of honesty in addressing gambling addiction
- The need for support and understanding from friends, family, and professionals
- The value of raising awareness about gambling addiction and mental health issues
- Craig Carton’s dedication to using his radio platform to make a positive impact
Becoming the Face of Gambling Addiction
A well-known radio host, Craig Carton, candidly discussed his gambling addiction on the All in the Addicted Gamblers podcast with Brian Hatch. On his road to recovery, he used his radio platform to raise awareness about gambling addiction. Craig hosts “Hello, My Name is Craig,” a 30-minute public service show on gambling addiction. Rather than being against gambling, Craig aimed to put a face to the issue and highlight that addicts are ordinary people.
Craig’s path to recovery started at Algamus, a gambling rehab center in Prescott, Arizona. It was there that he discovered he was not alone in his addiction. Before graduating from the gambling rehab program, his fellow gambling addicts asked him to promise that if he ever returned to the radio, he would become the face of gambling addiction. Craig Carton accepted without hesitation, acknowledging the power of his platform and the potential impact of sharing his gambling addiction story.
Craig’s Struggles with Mental Health and Addiction
Craig mentioned a particularly moving moment in his life; While on a ski lift in the mountains, he was close to jumping. Although he was not actively suicidal, he strongly desired to leap. He edged closer to the close, despite telling himself not to jump over and over. Finally, he called an old friend who managed to keep him in his seat until he was safely back at the foot of the mountain. The story has resonated with many people, and Craig’s honesty about it added to the authenticity and credibility of his story.
Craig admitted that he was a performer on air and was now more open about his addiction and mental health. He believes sharing his story could help others, even though he acknowledged that it was not about him. After being convicted of a felony and serving time in prison, he lost the moral high ground. However, he hoped to change his narrative and assist others by owning up to his mistakes.
Offering Advice to Young Gamblers
When asked how he would counsel a young gambler who might not yet realize they have a gambling problem, Craig Carton pinpoints the importance of honesty and seeking help. He acknowledged that gamblers often lie and that being upfront about one’s struggles was crucial. For those who recognize they have a problem, Craig advised them to speak up and share their experiences with others.
Craig was also concerned about those who might not realize they have gambling problems. He received calls from worried parents about their children’s gambling habits and believed being available to talk to those in need is crucial. By sharing their stories and experiences, Craig and others like him could save lives and improve the world for those grappling with gambling addiction.
The Impact of Sharing Stories
Craig believes in sharing stories because they provide hope to those struggling with addiction. He wants people to know there is light at the end of the tunnel and that being honest about having a problem and seeking help could improve their lives.
His podcast has a diverse audience, including gamblers, their families, and professionals in the field. Craig noted that he was not a gambling therapist or an addiction expert, but he could share his lived experience to help others understand what gambling addiction looks like and how it manifests. Brian’s cohost Jeff chimed in, saying that the three provide hope, which could be life-changing for those who felt lost. Craig Carton also served as a keynote speaker for the National Conference on Compulsive Gambling, where he continued to share his story and inspire others.
Throughout the conversation, they all stressed the significance of support and understanding, whether from friends, family, or professionals. Ultimately, Craig was grateful for the opportunity to help others through his experiences and is more than happy to continue sharing his story.
The insightful and moving conversation on the All in the Addicted Gamblers podcast highlights the challenges people face with gambling addiction and the power of sharing stories to help others heal. Craig Carton’s journey inspires many, and his commitment to using his platform to help others dealing with gambling addiction is truly commendable. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to make it easier for future addicts to seek help and ultimately improve their lives.