Inside the Mind of a Compulsive Gambler with Louis Ruggiero | The Hopeaholics Podcast
In this gripping episode of The Hopeaholics Podcast, Louis Ruggiero lays everything on the table as he shares his unbelievable journey through addiction, gambling, destruction, and redemption. From the moment he first sat at a blackjack table at just 15 years old and turned $200 into $9,000, Louis became hooked on the rush—a rush that would ultimately cost him over $10.2 million, countless relationships, and nearly his life. He opens up about his battles with opioids, alcohol, and gambling, his public downfall after a headline-making arrest in New York City, and the years of chaos that followed as he spiraled deeper into addiction while trying to hold onto a facade of success. Louis paints a vivid picture of the highs of Vegas suites, private jets, and massive wins, followed by the devastating lows of broken promises, debt, and suicidal thoughts. Yet through all the pain, he found redemption in recovery—turning to Gamblers Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, and the 12-step program to rebuild not only his sobriety but his sense of purpose. Now, nearly a year sober from gambling and years clean from drugs and alcohol, Louis is using his platform and his podcast Nothing’s Off the Table to shine a light on the realities of addiction and the hope found in recovery. His story is brutally honest, deeply human, and serves as a reminder that no matter how far you fall, it’s never too late to change, heal, and rise again.
#thehopeaholics #redemption #recovery #AlcoholAddiction #AddictionRecovery #wedorecover #SobrietyJourney #MyStory #Hope #wedorecover #treatmentcenter #natalieevamarie
Join our patreon to get access to an EXTRA EPISODE every week of ‘Off the Record’, exclusive content, a thriving recovery community, and opportunities to be featured on the podcast. https://patreon.com/TheHopeaholics
Go to www.Wolfpak.com today and support our sponsors. Don't forget to use code: HOPEAHOLICSPODCAST for 10% off!
Follow the Hopeaholics on our Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/thehopeaholics
https://linktr.ee/thehopeaholics
Buy Merch:
https://thehopeaholics.myshopify.com
Visit our Treatment Centers: https://www.hopebythesea.com
If you or a loved one needs help, please call or text 949-615-8588. We have the resources to treat mental health and addiction.
Sponsored by the Infiniti Group LLC:
https://www.infinitigroupllc.com
Timestamps:
00:03:01 - Early Gambling Beginnings
00:05:10 - First Rehab and Substance Use
00:08:03 - Arrest and Public Scandal
00:11:24 - Friend’s Murder and Relapse
00:13:18 - Intervention and Trip to Sierra Tucson
00:14:26 - Move to LA and First Real Sobriety
00:15:25 - Making Money and Relapse into Gambling
00:17:05 - Losing $10.2 Million
00:18:20 - Vegas Escapades Begin
00:22:04 - Covid Collapse and Drinking Again
00:25:12 - Cirque Lodge and Colombia Spiral
00:29:49 - Fired and Hitting Rock Bottom
00:31:02 - Family Cuts Him Off
00:33:02 - Sobriety and New Sponsor
00:34:23 - Gambling Relapse During Sobriety
00:35:12 - Suicidal Thoughts and Confession
00:38:58 - Gamblers Anonymous and Financial Honesty
00:42:11 - Launching Podcast and Raising Awareness
00:44:39 - Making Amends and Working at Family Restaurant
00:45:03 - Balancing AA and GA Recovery
00:46:44 - Commitment to 12-Step Program and Spiritual Growth
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Ruthie's Table 4
For more than 30 years The River Cafe in London, has been the home-from-home of artists, architects, designers, actors, collectors, writers, activists, and politicians. Michael Caine, Glenn Close, JJ Abrams, Steve McQueen, Victoria and David Beckham, and Lily Allen, are just some of the people who love to call The River Cafe home. On River Cafe Table 4, Rogers sits down with her customers—who have become friends—to talk about food memories. Table 4 explores how food impacts every aspect of our lives. “Foods is politics, food is cultural, food is how you express love, food is about your heritage, it defines who you and who you want to be,” says Rogers. Each week, Rogers invites her guest to reminisce about family suppers and first dates, what they cook, how they eat when performing, the restaurants they choose, and what food they seek when they need comfort. And to punctuate each episode of Table 4, guests such as Ralph Fiennes, Emily Blunt, and Alfonso Cuarón, read their favourite recipe from one of the best-selling River Cafe cookbooks. Table 4 itself, is situated near The River Cafe’s open kitchen, close to the bright pink wood-fired oven and next to the glossy yellow pass, where Ruthie oversees the restaurant. You are invited to take a seat at this intimate table and join the conversation. For more information, recipes, and ingredients, go to https://shoptherivercafe.co.uk/ Web: https://rivercafe.co.uk/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/therivercafelondon/ Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/therivercafelondon/ For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iheartradio app, apple podcasts, or wherever you listen to your favorite shows. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.