I Want to Break Myself, When I’m Already Broken: Experiences of Gambling in Relation to a “Rock Bottom” Hypothesis

This study explores narratives about gambling problems and experiences of "rock bottom" through interviews with ten participants. The analysis generated three main themes. In <i>A bumpy road-Plunging toward "rock bottom,"</i> participants described hitting "rock bottom" as something to avoid or being dragged there by self-hatred or dedication. In <i>A split existence-Being at the "rock bottom,"</i> the experience of the bottom was seen as either the worst suffering or a relief. In <i>Different ways of "getting out"-The way up from "rock bottom,"</i> getting out involved diverse processes like suicidal behavior, imprisonment, or seeking help. The results suggest that understanding "rock bottom" narratives can help identify risk factors and processes related to gambling, enabling practitioners in supporting individuals on their journey.