Pablo Ojeda, a renowned nutritionist in Spain, recently shared his harrowing journey through gambling addiction during an appearance on the popular television program 'Más Vale Tarde' on La Sexta. At just 22 years old, Ojeda's life took a drastic turn after he visited a new gambling hall that had opened near his home. What started as a seemingly innocent outing quickly spiraled into a decade-long battle with addiction.
Ojeda's first experience in the gambling hall was marked by a significant win. "I won 80 euros on my first bet," he recalled, a moment that would set off a chain reaction of events leading to his addiction. The thrill of that initial victory was intoxicating, prompting him to return the very next day. "The sensation, the memory it left me, was very pleasant," he admitted.
However, as time went on, the excitement faded, and a dependency began to form. Within just a couple of months, Ojeda found himself ensnared in the grips of gambling addiction. "I recognize that I am a gambling addict," he stated candidly. "The day I relax, I go back to playing. The only thing we learn is to live without playing."
His struggles with addiction were not just psychological; they led to dire financial consequences. In his book, 'Cuando me alimenté del juego', Ojeda recounts the extreme lengths he went to in order to fund his gambling habit. He confessed to stealing and selling his father's car, a desperate act he initially tried to pass off as a theft committed by someone else. "I had empty pockets," he explained, revealing the depths of his desperation.
In one of the most shocking revelations, Ojeda shared that he once considered selling a kidney for 60,000 euros to pay off his debts and continue gambling. "I thought it was a perfect idea. I even bought the tickets to go through with it," he said, illustrating the severe impact addiction had on his decision-making.
The psychological toll of his addiction manifested in various ways. Ojeda experienced severe nervousness, loss of appetite, insomnia, and even suicidal thoughts. He reached a point where he planned where he could sleep under bridges and noted places where he could find food. "In my mind, I knew that at some point, that circumstance could occur," he reflected, highlighting the grim reality faced by many struggling with similar issues.
Despite the challenges, Ojeda's journey toward recovery has been marked by resilience and determination. Through intensive rehabilitation and a commitment to change, he has made significant strides in overcoming his addiction. "I no longer carry cash, I practice sports, and I stick to a planned schedule to overcome my addiction," he explained.
Ojeda's rehabilitation process was not easy; it required him to make substantial lifestyle changes, including distancing himself from friends and environments that triggered his gambling impulses. He spent six years avoiding bars altogether, a testament to his commitment to recovery. However, the scars of his past remain. "If I enter a bar, I turn my back. I can't see the slot machines," he admitted, showcasing the ongoing struggle many face even after achieving sobriety.
His family life has also been affected by his addiction. He revealed that he has gaps in his memory from certain periods of his life, including moments with his children. "I remember bathing my youngest daughter, and my wife told me she did the same with our eldest. I had no recollection of that. I had lost memories because of the mess of gambling," he lamented.
Ojeda's story is a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of addiction and its impact on individuals and families. His candid sharing of his experiences serves to raise awareness about the realities of gambling addiction and the importance of seeking help.
In addition to his personal story, Ojeda also provides valuable insights as a nutritionist. On the same day he shared his journey, he discussed seasonal foods and their importance in maintaining a healthy diet on the 'Las mañanas Kiss' program on Kiss FM. He emphasized that with rising temperatures in spring, there is often an increase in fluid retention, which can affect many people.
"In spring, when temperatures rise, there is greater fluid retention," Ojeda explained. He reassured listeners that feeling bloated during this time is normal and shared tips on how to combat it through diet. He recommended incorporating fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and diuretic properties into daily meals.
Ojeda highlighted several seasonal foods, including loquats, pineapple, cherries, strawberries, spinach, peas, carrots, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. He also encouraged the consumption of blue fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, as well as nuts, seeds, and healthy fats like extra virgin olive oil.
Spices with anti-inflammatory properties, such as turmeric and ginger, along with green tea, mushrooms, and algae, were also recommended for their health benefits. "It's essential to consume these in spring because they are nutritionally optimal, more sustainable, taste better, and are much cheaper," he concluded, offering practical advice for listeners eager to improve their diets.
Through his dual role as a nutritionist and a survivor of gambling addiction, Pablo Ojeda continues to inspire others. His journey serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of addressing both mental health and nutrition in our lives.
