Episode 638 From Gambling Addiction to 30 Years of Recovery: Jay Sapovits on Ego, Identity & Staying Sober
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In this episode, I sit down with Jay Sapovits, someone whose honesty, humility, and long‑term recovery truly moved me. Jay shares his journey through compulsive gambling, emotional relapse, ego, identity, and nearly 30 years of recovery, and I found myself relating to so much of what he said.
Jay and I talk about:
· the first time he gambled at 13 and the rush that changed everything
· how ego—not gambling—nearly took him out 10 years into recovery
· what emotional relapse looked like for him
· rebuilding his identity, relationships, and integrity through the 12 steps
· the difference between staying sober and living sober
· why meetings and service work keep him grounded
· the loneliness of being “the life of the party” while dying inside
· the moment he realized sobriety had to be his #1 priority
· discovering golf as a healthy obsession and recovery tool
· the song that carried him through early recovery (“Kiss From a Rose”)
This conversation reminded me why I stay close to the rooms and why long‑term sobriety requires deeper work, not less. Jay’s honesty about ego, fear, and the daily practice of letting go is something every person in recovery will connect with.
If you’ve ever wondered what recovery looks like after 10, 20, or 30 years… this episode will speak to you the way it spoke to me.
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To Connect with Jay Sapovits
Links:
Website: http://inkdstores.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaysap
Thank you for listening to It’s Bizzy. If this conversation helped you think differently about sugar, sobriety, or recovery, please share it with someone who might need it. Your support helps grow this community and keeps these honest conversations going.
"Remember, you don’t have to navigate the mess alone. Whether you’re pivoting your career, your marriage, or your mindset, I’m here to walk that road with you. Let’s make 2026 the year you finally put your own oxygen mask on first."
XO
Bizzy
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