<p>Growing up as a second-generation Chinese Australian in Canberra, Alex spent much of his childhood wanting to be anything but himself. At just eight years old, he made a quiet but powerful connection: success, titles and money equals love.</p><p>That belief followed him into adulthood and when COVID hit, the pressure, boredom and loss of identity converged into a gambling addiction that quietly took over his life. He was placing sports bets in the middle of the night, lying to his partner about missed bills and rent, borrowing money from friends and slowly losing the relationships that mattered most to him.</p><p>Then came the moment everything unravelled. He had been stealing funds from his employer and one ordinary day, he was called into an office and told he was under internal investigation. As frightening as that moment was for Alex, it was also the first day of the rest of his life. <br /><strong>Gambling Help Online</strong>  <a href="http://gamblinghelponline.org.au/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">gamblinghelponline.org.au</a><br />Online counselling available 24/7, including live chat and email support</p><p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliarangiheuea/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Creator &amp; Host: ⁠⁠@JuliaRangiheuea</a><br />Ready to share your story? Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">[email protected]</a>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<br />Disclaimer: The stories and experiences shared in this episode are personal accounts told in good faith. While we strive to present these narratives accurately, the views and claims expressed are those of the individuals involved and have not been independently verified. Soberly Speaking and its host, Julia Rangiheuea, do not take responsibility for the accuracy or validity of the information shared. Listener discretion is advised.</p><p>The National Alcohol &amp; Other Drug Hotline is a free and confidential 24/7 phone service that provides counselling, advice, and information for those struggling with addiction. Call 1800 250 015</p><p>⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://toolkit.lifeline.org.au/articles/support/national-alcohol-other-drug-hotline⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a></p><p>In the spirit of reconciliation Soberly Speaking acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.</p>