I Lost Everything...Even My Childhood | Nick's Gambling Addiction

I interview Nick Ruiz about his gambling addiction story.

🤝 How I Quit Gambling:    • HOW TO STOP GAMBLING: A Complete Guide  

🙌 Gamfin can assist with budgeting, debt, and rebuilding. If you’re struggling today, you’re not alone—help works, and life gets better. https://www.gamfin.org/rob

From Nick: My name is Nick Ruiz, I am a 39 year old who had been addicted to gambling for close to 20 years. I have been clean since 2/15/25.

I am a father to two sons. Being sober now for over 7 months now how changed my life in so many positive ways. I now enjoy and appreciate the little things in life.

Gambling caused so much stress and chaos in my life. I was unable to sleep, concentrate, be a good father and friend. Every day was about chasing the losses and believing I could get everything I lost back. I’m glad to finally say I’m clean and that horror is now behind me.

Nick Ruiz started gambling before he could drive—scratch-offs with his granddad, then illegal trips to local tribal casinos at 14–15. What began as family “fun” became a decade of slot-machine obsession, lies, panic attacks, and financial collapse. In this raw interview, Nick (now a professional wrestler who’s worked with WWE/AEW) details how jackpots lost their thrill, how addiction isolated him from friends and his sons, and the night everything finally broke. With his mom by his side, he self-excluded for life and rebuilt: setting boundaries, rediscovering simple joys, repairing family trust, and finding peace of mind. If you’re chasing losses or terrified of life without gambling, this conversation shows a real path out—surrender, get support, put safeguards in place, and start again. Need financial recovery help?

This channel is dedicated to spreading awareness about gambling addiction and helping individuals better understand the risks of excessive gambling. Through powerful storytelling, educational content, and real-life experiences, we aim to shine a light on the dangers of gambling and provide tools for recovery. Whether you're seeking help, supporting a loved one, or simply looking to learn more, our mission is to create a safe space for open conversations about gambling addiction.

🙏🏻 Recovery Resources: https://odaatgamblingawareness.com/re...
1️⃣ First day trying to stop gambling? Start here:    • Your First 7 Days Quitting Gambling  
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20 question quiz to determine if you have a gambling addiction (if you answer yes to 7 or more, you likely have a gambling problem)

1. Did you ever lose time from work or school due to gambling?
2. Has gambling ever made your home life unhappy?
3. Did gambling affect your reputation?
4. Have you ever felt remorse after gambling?
5. Did you ever gamble to get money with which to pay debts or otherwise solve
financial difficulties?
6. Did gambling cause a decrease in your ambition or efficiency?
7. After losing did you feel you must return as soon as possible and win back your
losses?
8. After a win did you have a strong urge to return and win more?
9. Did you often gamble until your last dollar was gone?
10. Did you ever borrow to finance your gambling?
11. Have you ever sold anything to finance gambling?
12. Were you reluctant to use "gambling money" for normal expenditures?
13. Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?
14. Did you ever gamble longer than you had planned?
15. Have you ever gambled to escape worry or trouble?
16. Have you ever committed, or considered committing, an illegal act to finance
gambling?
17. Did gambling cause you to have difficulty in sleeping?
18. Do arguments, disappointments or frustrations create within you an urge to
gamble?
19. Did you ever have an urge to celebrate any good fortune by a few hours of
gambling?
20. Have you ever considered self destruction or suicide as a result of your gambling?

CHAPTERS:
0:00 - 0:50 Why He Started Gambling So Young
0:50 - 1:46 Early Scratch-Offs With Granddad
1:46 - 2:56 First Casino Trips Underage (14–15)
2:56 - 4:26 Teen Years, Sports, Wrestling Dreams
4:26 - 5:19 “Seeds Were Planted,” Not a Problem Yet
5:19 - 6:21 Escalation With Partner (2004 → 2011)
6:21 - 7:24 A Decade “Hellbent” On Slots
7:24 - 8:21 Jackpot Numbness (The $10K Win With No Joy)
8:21 - 10:49 Tunnel Vision, Isolation, Lying To Loved Ones
10:49 - 14:41 The Last Night: Panic, Debt, Eviction Scare
14:41 - 17:39 Self-Exclusion With Mom (Lines In The Sand)
17:39 - 18:26 Sponsor Message & Getting Help For Finances
18:26 - 20:19 Life After: No Urges, Boundaries, Saying “No”
20:19 - 23:47 Telling The Truth, Family Repair, Owning Recovery
23:47 - 26:14 What Worked: Small Joys & Peace Of Mind
26:14 - 29:12 Pro Wrestling Career (WWE/AEW) & Hiding Addiction
29:12 - 32:20 Message To Those Chasing: Surrender & Rebuild