Edinburgh dad on how gambling addiction 'controlled and dictated' his life

Two Edinburgh dads who are living in recovery from addiction are set to undertake a gruelling David Goggins challenge to raise money to support those experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Piesy Khosrowpour, 37, and Liam Young, 33, both from Corstorphine, will run four miles, every four hours for 48 hours in order to try to raise £5,000 for charity Steps To Hope who help those experiencing homelessness and addiction.

Personal trainer Piesy had previously opened up on battling his own demons to Edinburgh Live , detailing how he once lost £5,000 in a day and struggled to live with his alcoholism.

READ MORE: Edinburgh set to be hotter than Sydney this weekend as four-day heatwave forecast

READ MORE: Inspiring Edinburgh dad turns his life around after losing £5,000 in one day gambling

He championed his wife, Lisa and his daughters, for supporting him through his difficult journey with him now eight and a half years sober.

Piesy says that along with his family's support, accessing a 12-step programme that paired him with a sponsor was also vital in helping him turn his life around.

Following this, the personal trainer has looked to assist others with their addiction issues, something he did for Liam. Paramedic Liam's gambling condition took over his life but he too, is now in recovery.

He explained how the thought of placing bets would consume his every thought from morning to night.

Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox

Now the pair want to help others and have chosen Steps To Hope as they recognise the fantastic work the organisation does to support those facing difficult times.

“I really struggled with a gambling addiction for 10 to 12 years, it consumed my life,” Liam said. “All I thought about from waking up and going to bed was what bets would I put on and how much would I need to place them.

“It was everything. It came before everything and impacted my relationships with friends and family, I put gambling above everything else which meant it controlled me and dictated my life.

“It was a horrible feeling, it isolated me and I did not look after my wellbeing. I needed out of that state of mind which is what I’ve done now with the 12-step programme and Gambling Anonymous.

“I went to meetings with Piesy twice a week just to get a bit of hope and saw that my life could improve. I realised I did not need to be an active addict.

“We’ve been close friends and seeing him in recovery with his family, leading a healthy lifestyle, it motivated me. I wanted that life for myself and no longer wanted to be a gambling addict.

“I tied in with him and it helped change my life. I feel as though gambling addiction is well hidden in the UK. You can walk past someone and the signs are not really visible but they could be dying inside.

“It is a matter of life and death impacting so many people. There is a stigma attached to addicts but anyone looking to better their life and seek recovery has immense courage and strength as it is not easy, it is a daily struggle.”

Although Piesy was a massive support for Liam, he too had to build himself from the ground up, relying on the help of others to get on the road to recovery.

Piesy struggled with addictions to gambling and drink that often put intense strain on his relationships but through the aid of a sponsor and his family, he is now helping others in his community.

“I’m coming up for eight and half years gambling free and sober from alcohol,” Piesy said. “It is a great achievement but it is all about taking it one day at a time.

“My addiction with gambling led to me losing £5,000 in a day and completely changed me morally. I would borrow off of friends and even contemplate stealing.

“It felt inescapable. I remember going over the Forth Road Bridge on my way to work a job I hated one day.

“I had this feeling that I could just take the car and go over the edge and escape it all. It is hard to describe what made me not do it that day but it was later on that evening that I went to my first fellowship meeting and I was paired with a sponsor who really helped me.

“My family were an amazing support and Lisa stood by me the whole way. I’m lucky now to be in a position where I have the opportunity to run my own meeting for addicts in Corstorphine.

“A lot of people come in every week who share how they are feeling, they want some hope and a sense of community. Everyday can be tough, understanding you have an addiction, and that you will always be addicted to your vice.

“But if I do not place that first bet or have that first drink then I have a massive opportunity not to bet or drink again. The 12 step programme and my sponsor helped me to turn my life around, I know if I keep doing the right things then I’ll be stronger.

“I’ve helped around 10-12 people through the programme now and have seen people suffering so many times. Addiction can come in many shapes and sizes, whether it is to gambling, alcohol, drugs, food or even work.

“The important thing is taking each day as it comes. Good things will come from that.

“I would not wish addiction on my own worst enemy, it takes everything from you, takes your morales, values and nothing matters other than for you to get that next hit.”

Piesy and Liam say that Steps to Hope seemed like an obvious choice for them to support as they undertake their physically and mentally intense challenge on May 31.

They both argue that addiction can often spiral, leading to a breakdown in relationships that can see people dealing with their addiction while also experiencing homelessness.

“We are doing this challenge as we know so many are out there suffering,” Liam said. “We want to raise awareness that there is a way out and you do not need to live that life of addiction.

“Steps to Hope helps people realise this and any funds we raise from this challenge will help them with their new centre at Uphall. The charity has already supported so many people and they will continue to do so with this new centre.

“The challenge will be both physically and mentally challenging. When battling my addiction I’d have had no interest in something like this, we know it will be hard, but we have been training to ensure both our legs and mind will cope.

“The lack of sleep will be hard and going every four hours will be difficult. But this shows what can be achieved by people in recovery.

“Those in recovery can do incredible things but they can also just enjoy life, whether that is going on holiday or spending time with your friends and family. You don’t need to be stuck in a rut - anything is possible.

“We want to help those out there and show we can help each other as a community and appreciate the help.”

The pair have invited people to join them on their run and have printed off T-shirts for those tagging along to show their support.

Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.

“Seeing other people in that same position I was in is hard,” Piesy added. “If someone does not get the support they need then that can lead to them losing their relationship, not seeing their kids and potentially being kicked out of the family home - before they know it, they are homeless.

“Steps to Hope helps people who are experiencing homelessness or addiction. If everyone can get behind them then it will help so many people.

“Anyone wanting to join us should get in touch if they want to accompany us even for one leg of the challenge. All donations and any level of support is greatly appreciated.”

To support the duo with their incredible challenge, please click here.