Pablo Ojeda, a nutritionist and author, shared his harrowing journey of addiction on the popular Spanish game show Pasapalabra on May 9, 2025. Ojeda, who has transformed his life after battling gambling addiction, revealed the emotional depths he faced while writing his new book, Cuando me alimenté del juego (When I Fed on Gambling), where he candidly discusses his struggles and recovery.
During his appearance, Ojeda reflected on the profound impact of his addiction, stating, "This was such an emotional experience that the words got stuck in me: 'This has many tears behind it.'" His heartfelt acknowledgment of the pain associated with his past resonated with many viewers, highlighting the serious nature of gambling addiction.
In his book, Ojeda describes a pivotal moment when police arrived at his home to arrest him for his gambling-related activities. He recounts, "I didn’t open the door and waited for them to leave before urgently calling Sonia, my then-wife, to confess that I was a gambling addict." This confession marked a turning point in his life, leading him to seek help and enter a rehabilitation center.
Ojeda's journey was fraught with challenges, including a staggering debt of 12,000 euros, which he accumulated through years of gambling. He recounted the lengths he went to fund his addiction, including stealing from his parents. "I unlocked my father's phone, accessed his bank account, and transferred several thousand euros to myself," he revealed. He also admitted to pawning jewelry from his mother and even once falsely reported a robbery at his home to cover up his actions.
Reflecting on the depths of his addiction, Ojeda described a moment when he was offered 60,000 euros for his kidney. However, a stroke of luck changed his fate: he won 6,000 euros in a poker game the night before he was supposed to go through with the sale. "If it hadn’t been for that stroke of luck, I would have sold my kidney," he admitted, showcasing how desperate he had become.
Since completing rehabilitation, Ojeda has maintained his sobriety and has not relapsed. He emphasized the importance of structure in his life, stating, "I follow a strict routine with fixed schedules and daily exercise to keep myself grounded." He acknowledged that he remains vigilant about potential triggers, noting, "If I stay up late, don’t exercise, drink too much alcohol, argue, or carry cash, I could relapse." His commitment to staying healthy and active has been crucial in his recovery.
Ojeda's story is not just one of personal redemption but also serves as a beacon of hope for others struggling with similar issues. He believes in the power of sharing his experiences, stating, "I wanted my story to be known, not only for therapeutic reasons but to help others who might be in the same situation. We can fall, make mistakes, but we can also rehabilitate ourselves. There’s nothing wrong with falling down." This sentiment reflects his desire to inspire others who may feel isolated in their struggles.
Throughout the interview, Ojeda addressed the stigma surrounding gambling addiction, particularly in a society that often overlooks its severity. He remarked, "I’ve seen many artists speak openly about their addictions, but it’s usually alcohol or drugs; gambling is still very taboo." He expressed concern over the normalization of gambling in popular culture, especially among young people, stating, "I’ve seen kids as young as 13 stealing their parents’ cards to spend money on Fortnite. It’s alarming."
Ojeda's reflections on his past and his ongoing commitment to recovery highlight the complexities of addiction and the importance of support systems. He continues to engage with others by sharing his story and offering insights into the challenges of overcoming addiction. "I still attend maintenance therapy and have even become a mentor to others in recovery," he said, emphasizing that recovery is an ongoing journey.
In summary, Pablo Ojeda's appearance on Pasapalabra was not only a personal revelation but a broader commentary on the challenges of gambling addiction. His candidness about his past and his current efforts to help others navigate their struggles underscore the importance of awareness and support in combating addiction. As he stated, "The addict is an addict for life, but with the right tools and support, recovery is possible." His journey serves as a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to seek help and change one’s life.
