Lesa Densmore

It began with penny poker around the kitchen table when I was young, and ended with destruction, a failed suicide, and residential treatment as an adult. After a long battle with gambling addiction, and the loss of myself, my dignity, and almost my life, it was my quest to piece "me" back together and become a face, a voice, and hope behind problem gambling and other process and activity addictions. Upon completion of residential treatment I was faced with the reality of dealing with my losses, financial, physical, and emotional. I was also faced with having to understand and accept that I may not be able to right all the wrongs that happened through this addiction, and re-building my life would be a mountain climb.

Understanding the need for more education, awareness, and treatment on gambling addiction, I made the decision to let my experience with it inspire me rather than define me. Already credentialed, educated, and experienced as a life and wellness coach, I decided to shift my focus to the addiction industry. Early in recovery I reached out to problem gambling resources througout the U.S. to talk about my story, roadblocks with getting treatment, and how I may be able to not only help others suffering, but providers of services learn more about this disorder so they could better help others too. As a student of this addiction I began to understand that my experience with it had importance and a purpose. Opportunites to help others and the industry evolved from there.

Today I am a certified recovery advocate, addictions coach, experienced trainer, and industry consultant. I have provided training/consulting for the FBI, NCAA, Powered by ME, National Council on Problem Gambling, Connecticut Lottery Corporation, and many other known industry entities. My GAME OVER presentation has been delivered and taught on campuses througout the United States, and my individual and family services have helped thousands get their lives back to manageable again.

My voice, story, and unique understanding of gambling addiction provided the platform that has become a solid stage, and aside from my formal education and credentials today, will always be the foundation of my work.

In the Spotlight

Understanding Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is often misunderstood and plagued with misconceptions. This article is an informative must-read for anyone trying to understand gambling addiction, the "Silent Killer."

In the Spotlight

Problem Gambling & the Student Athlete: A Problem On the Horizon

Problem Gambling is on the rise. Competitive athletes and coaches need to be aware that they are an "at risk" population, and should understand the pitfalls associated with gambling activity.

In the Spotlight

How to Use Essential Oils Effectively on the Skin

Essential oils have been used for a wide variety of wellness applications dating as far back as the Egyptian era. The Egyptians were some of the first to use aromatic essential oils extensively in food preparation, beauty treatment, religious ceremony, and medical practice.

In the Spotlight

Problem Gambling Recovery Coaching

Problem Gambling Recovery Coaching is cutting edge, state of the art, person focused and effective!

In the Spotlight

The Perils of Caregiver Stress: Coaching Tips for Taking Care of Yourself

Stress from caregiving can cause dangerous emotional and physical strain. If you don't take care of yourself, you will not be able to take care of others. Learn simple solutions for self care.

In the Spotlight

What Is Video Game Addiction and How Do You Treat It?

Playing video games for many can be an innocent form of entertainment, and many can game without developing problems. The intent of this article is to provide information about the pitfalls—the "dark side"—to video gaming, and the growing addiction concerns.

• 
  0
  Behavior Self-Help

  Three Addiction Recovery Solutions for Relationship Repair

  6 years ago

  Relationship repair is just one component out of many in the process of addiction recovery. Here are three steps you can take when trying to repair a relationship, even if it's the one you have with yourself.

• 
  0
  Addiction

  There Is No GPS on the Pathway to Addiction Recovery

  6 years ago

  Many find addiction recovery within a well hiked path, others find it on the road less traveled. Yet some will find recovery where no one has traveled before. The differences are many, but no path is superior to the other.

• 
  0
  Herbal Remedies

  How to Use Essential Oils Effectively on the Skin

  4 years ago

  Essential oils have been used for a wide variety of wellness applications dating as far back as the Egyptian era. The Egyptians were some of the first to use aromatic essential oils extensively in food preparation, beauty treatment, religious ceremony, and medical practice.

• 
  0
  Addiction

  What Is Video Game Addiction and How Do You Treat It?

  6 years ago

  Playing video games for many can be an innocent form of entertainment, and many can game without developing problems. The intent of this article is to provide information about the pitfalls—the "dark side"—to video gaming, and the growing addiction concerns.

• 
  0
  Addiction

  Understanding Gambling Addiction

  6 years ago

  Gambling addiction is often misunderstood and plagued with misconceptions. This article is an informative must-read for anyone trying to understand gambling addiction, the "Silent Killer."