Dad Rebuilds Life After Gambling and Drug Addiction

Lisandro Fajardo once gambled away every peso he had to feed his drug addiction, even while his child with special needs went without. Today, he's employed, recovering, and rebuilding the relationships addiction destroyed.

His downward spiral began as an escape from grief and anger. Gambling funded his drug use, which led to more gambling, creating a vicious cycle that cost him his home, his family's trust, and years of his life.

Lisandro didn't just neglect bills or miss work. He abandoned his responsibilities as a father, leaving his family to cope alone while he chased the next high or the next bet.

The turning point came through compassion, faith, and people willing to offer second chances. Lisandro found the strength to face what addiction had stolen from him and began the hard work of recovery.

Why This Inspires

Lisandro's transformation shows that hitting rock bottom doesn't have to be the end of the story. His willingness to share his darkest moments on the i-Listen podcast helps break the shame and silence that keep many people trapped in addiction.

He now speaks openly about how gambling and drugs controlled every decision he made. By sharing his journey, he's giving hope to others who feel too far gone to turn back.

Recovery didn't erase the past or magically restore everything he lost. Lisandro is still working to regain his family's trust, one day at a time, proving that responsibility and consistency matter more than promises.

His stable job represents more than a paycheck. It's evidence that he's building a foundation strong enough to support the life he wants instead of the chaos addiction created.

The podcast episode released on January 21, 2026, on GMA Public Affairs' YouTube channel, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Kara David, i-Listen creates space for raw, honest conversations about difficult topics that often go unspoken.

Lisandro's message is simple but powerful: change is possible, no matter how deep the darkness gets.