John Woods knows a lot about gambling addiction.  He gambled for 30 years and tried it all - slots, horse races, online poker and sports betting.  John knows about hitting rock bottom because of gambling, the promises you make to yourself to stop, and the tricky ways it pulls you back in.  But most importantly, he has first hand experience with overcoming a gambling addiction and is six years from his last bet.  During these six years, he set about learning about this isssue and has written a book, "Gambling Addiction Explained:  How to STOP Gambling and Regain Control of Your Life. In this episode, John shares his personal story with gambling problems and thoughts on: How the mind deludes you into thinking you're in control with gambling when you clearly are not How to watch out for relapses What helped him to break free of gambling problems and ideas for others wanting to do the same For more information on the delusions of control that are a part of problem gambling, read the blog for this episode at www.problemgamblinghelp.ca.   If you would like to read John's book, Gambling Addiction Explained, visit his website at www.gamblingaddictionexplained.com.  The book is also available on Amazon, Audible and Spotify.  Connect with John on Facebook at Gambling Addiction Explained. If you live in British Columbia and would like to access our free, confidential counselling and outreach services, connect with us online at Gambling Support BC or call 1-888-795-6111. To connect with gambling problem help outside of British Columbia: Canada:  click here United States:  National Council on Problem Gambling United Kingdom:  GamCare Australia:  Gamblers' Help If you live outside of these areas, search online for "Gambling Problem Help" in your country. Fold em is funded by Gambling Support BC.  If you would like to connect with Fold em through Facebook or Instagram, find us at Foldem Podcast.  You can also reach out through [email protected].  We welcome feedback and topics for upcoming episodes.