Gambling Disorder remains a serious condition with profound social, financial, and emotional impacts. Despite existing harm-reduction tools and treatments, few studies have examined the lived experiences of recovery. This qualitative study evaluates participants’ recovery from a psychological, motivational, and social perspective. Sentiment and thematic analyses revealed dominant negative emotions (shame, harm, and loss) contrasted by moderate positivity linked to resilience, self-regulation, and social reconnection. Participants emphasized the value of motivational support and digital tools in fostering autonomy and control. Findings suggest gambling recovery is nonlinear, socially embedded, and sustained through psychological needs, informing more effective, experience-based policy and intervention approaches.
