Professional golfer Phil Mickelson recently shared his journey of recovering from a gambling addiction and expressed his gratitude towards his wife, Amy, for her unwavering support. Mickelson took to social media to reveal his struggles and how it affected his family.

In a series of Instagram slides, Mickelson explained that he won’t be betting on football this year because he crossed the line from moderation into addiction. He emphasized that the issue wasn’t about the money, as his financial security was never in jeopardy. However, his addiction caused him to become distracted and distant from his loved ones, resulting in harm.

Mickelson described his lack of presence as “hurtful” for his family, sharing that he was often told, “You’re here, but you’re not with us.” He compared his addiction to being isolated in a shelter during a hurricane, oblivious to the damage happening outside. When he finally acknowledged the issue, he found a lot of damage that needed to be repaired.

Reflecting on his experience, Mickelson warned others not to mistake enablers for friends and not to let difficult moments become public spectacles for others to profit from. He expressed hope that people who find themselves crossing the line into addiction can avoid such challenges.

Throughout his struggles, Mickelson found solace in his wife, Amy, who has stood by his side for 26 years. He credited her love, support, and commitment for helping them overcome the challenges he created. With her help, he is now on track to becoming the person he aspires to be. Mickelson acknowledged that it took many years of professional help and abstaining from gambling to find inner calm and peace.

While he acknowledges that he still has work to do with his loved ones, Mickelson encourages everyone to enjoy themselves in moderation during the football season and beyond. He believes that moments spent with loved ones are far more valuable than any bet or fantasy league triumph.

Mickelson initially opened up about his gambling addiction in an interview with Sports Illustrated, admitting that it had become reckless and embarrassing. He addressed the issue and has been in therapy for several years. He assures everyone that he and his family are financially secure, and gambling no longer poses a threat to him.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a gambling problem, please reach out to the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network at 1-800-522-4700 or visit gamtalk.org. It’s important to seek help and support in overcoming addiction.