With the 2023 NFL season officially underway, LIV Golfer Phil Mickelson has used it as an opportunity to reflect on his gambling addiction and how far he’s come. In his statement, he urges fans to not get carried away and to make sure they’re being responsible, using personal experience to remind fans of the dangers of gambling.
“If you ever cross the line of moderation and enter into addiction, hopefully, you won’t confuse your enablers as friends like I did. Hopefully you won’t have to deal with these difficult moments… so others can profit off you like I have,” Mickelson stated on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Regarded as one of the most famous and successful athletes in golf, it seems as though people close to Mickelson have used his celebrity status and financial security for their own benefit. Mickelson pointed out that he is fortunate enough to not have been financially impacted by his addiction due to his success as a professional golfer, but not everyone can say that.
Millions of Americans are affected by gambling addictions every year. Mickelson uses his platform to express that it can happen to anyone and reminds us that we do not have to go through our problems alone.
“After many years of receiving professional help, not gambling, and being in recovery from my addictions, I’m now able to sit still, be present in the moment, and live each day with inner calm and peace,” said Mickelson.
