Singer’s Gambling Addiction Shatters Life, Sparks Redemption
Early Struggles
In early 2021, singer Alvin Jo managed to break free from the grip of a gambling addiction that had plagued him. He shared the details of his struggle, which began during his junior high school years.
Alvin Jo recounted that his addiction became so intense that it seeped into his financial well-being. He said that the habit was addressed during the “Tobat” (2018) lecture but didn’t fully stop until the start of 2021. It was then he knew something was amiss.
The Turning Point
The Malang-born artist, on September 20, 1997, admitted he reached a point of detachment regarding financial losses from gambling. It got to the point where he no longer felt any negativity in these instances, choosing instead to prioritize gambling over basic necessities. His living expenses began taking a backseat to the costs of his gambling habits.
“There is something wrong in me because of the time of losing (gambling) I don’t feel anything. I always leave my money for living expenses with gambling. Initially if you lose stress, this is not. Already enjoy me (lost),”
—Alvin Jo
According to the National Council on Problem Gambling, an estimated 2-3 million U.S. adults meet the criteria for a gambling disorder (National Council on Problem Gambling).
Consequences
The 2022 X Factor Indonesia champion faced familial anger over his gambling. Alvin Jo mentioned he had to seek help, even admitting to needing funds to pay his debts. He was compelled to leave home and reside with his aunt, where he was in a constant state of stress.
His life crumbled. Alvin Jo felt he had no future. He failed to complete his studies and experienced relationship issues. He realized that his choices, including gambling, were wrong.
Finding a Path Forward
Eventually, by accepting the hard truths of his situation, he started to forgive various aspects of his life. He recognized the pain he had gone through without realizing it.
“The trick (can forgive) use the Lord Jesus. Given a new POV, I see my parents have more bitterness, so the same. The chance to live only once, they have bitterness, I have bitterness. It hurts me without me knowing it,”
—Alvin Jo