Walt's Journey of Struggle, Strength, and Hope

For Walt, his journey with addiction is a story of struggle, strength, and hope.

Walt recalls his first experience with gambling around the age of 10 using a candy machine that included silver balls among many other bubble gum balls. “If you were lucky, you could get a silver ball and redeem it for a rabbit foot,” said Walt. 

As a teenager, he went to his first horse race and around the same time, he would use lunch money to make bets with friends.

While earning his business degree at university, Walt says he won a major bet that allowed him to pay his rent while he earned his degree.

After graduating, Walt landed a great job at a consulting firm, but the corporate world only amplified his forming habit. “As I climbed the corporate ladder, I started to get free admission to clubs and sit alongside some big names while gambling – little did I know where this would lead,” said Walt.

“Over time, I started to have to go to the horse track every day,” explained Walt. “I would spend my days at the track, and work at night. “When I’d wake up in the morning my first breath would be filled with adrenaline because I knew I was going to the track.”

In 1992, Walt was the Senior Vice-President at the consulting firm but when interest rates skyrocketed, he lost his job, his house, and his wife left him in the same year. Walt was left to raise three kids on his own.

“After I lost my job, my house, and my wife, I still gambled,” explained Walt. “When casinos opened in the 1990’s, for me they were deadly and I couldn’t stop. I was always chasing the win.”

Addiction is a complex behavior and the shame associated with problem gambling is often a barrier for those accessing treatment. Walt, like many people struggling with addiction and mental health, recognized he needed help, but was hesitant to access it.

In 2018 while leaving the casino, he noticed a Lakeridge Health information booth where he picked up information about Gambling, Gaming, and Tech program.

Reluctantly, Walt called the number. “I knew I needed help but I was thinking, I’m a hard nut to crack,” recalled Walt.

After joining the program, the Lakeridge Health team referred Walt to a residential rehabilitation program in Windsor, which he says was the turning point in his recovery. “I went for three weeks and when I came out of there, I knew I would never gamble again,” said Walt. “It was the best thing I think I’ve ever done. During the day there were lectures with homework in the evenings, and on weekends we’d watch different educational movies.”

Over the past four years, Walt has made tremendous growth and has started to reclaim his life. He’s paid off gambling debts, reconnected with old friends, and spends time visiting his son in Seattle, his daughter in San Diego, and his other daughter in Ontario.

 “I meet for group meetings every Thursday for one hour,” said Walt. “Hearing other stories reminds me what life would be like if I were back gambling. The meetings are a deterrent for people who have stopped gambling and provides hope for those who are still gambling.”

Walt said the Gambling, Gaming, and Tech program has improved his life immensely.

When asked if he has any advice for those who are struggling with addiction and mental health, Walt explains, “Go for help. If you have a broken leg, you go to the doctor. This is another form of illness and the help is there. It’s a process but if you stick to it, it works.”

As gambling continues to expand in Ontario, Walt is very concerned about the risk this will have on those vulnerable to problem gambling. “I think everyone must be vigilant and understand the risks associated with gambling,” said Walt.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, please visit our website for more information.