From Denial to Freedom

Musonda’s Journey Back From Gambling Addiction

My name is Musonda, I am 24 years old, and a recent university graduate. Like many young men, I had big dreams for my life, a good career, supporting my family, and building my future. But instead, I found myself trapped in a gambling addiction.
At first, it seemed harmless. Just small bets with friends. But it quickly consumed me. Soon, I was borrowing from everyone I knew. Friends, family, classmates, even neighbors! I owed money everywhere. My phone was always on silent because I didn’t want to pick up calls. The lies piled up, and the shame became unbearable.
My parents eventually found out, and they insisted I get help for my addiction. Honestly, I didn’t want to. I thought I could handle it on my own. I only went to therapy at the beginning because I was forced to. And I wasn’t even honest in those first sessions. I downplayed my gambling, made excuses, and told half-truths to the therapist.
But what broke through my walls was the patience of the GamAid team. My peer support coach kept checking on me, even when I ignored him. My therapist never gave up on me, even when I refused to be open. Slowly, I realized I wasn’t fooling anyone — I was only fooling myself.
It wasn’t easy. In fact, I had one major relapse. I placed a bet again and lost. That day, I felt like I had failed all over again. But instead of judging me, GamAid reminded me that relapse is part of recovery, not the end of it. They encouraged me to get back up and keep fighting.
Today, May 7th 2025, I am 32 days gamble-free. To some, that might not sound like much, but to me, it’s freedom. Freedom from always lying. Freedom from always running away. Freedom from the chains that kept me in darkness.
I’m still heavily in debt, and that weighs on me every day. But for the first time, I’m not ignoring it. With the help of GamAid’s financial counselors, I’m slowly learning how to deal with my debts, one step at a time.
The freedom I feel now is unmatched. I never thought I could wake up without the urge to bet, or sleep without the guilt of lying. Today, I am starting to believe in myself again.
To every young man out there who thinks that you’re too strong to get addicted — let me tell you, I thought the same thing. And I almost lost everything. Please, don’t wait until you’re drowning in debt and lies. Reach out for help.
I am deeply grateful for the GamAid team. I’m grateful for their patience, for their support, and for never giving up on me. I don’t know exactly what my future holds, but for the first time in a long time, I am looking forward to it.