Despite his initial determination to avoid squandering his winnings, Steven has spent it all, attributing much of his financial downfall to his gambling addiction.

Having initially taken home $555,000 after taxes from his prize, Steven disclosed that he used the money to fuel further gambling, including sports betting and casino games. However, his gambling habits escalated, leading to severe financial repercussions. Currently, he only has $6,000 left in his bank account and $29,000 in outstanding federal student loan debt.

Despite his struggles, Steven remains hopeful for a brighter financial future with the assistance of Gamblers Anonymous and the advice from hosts George Kamel and Ken Coleman on "The Ramsey Show." They believe Steven can pay off his debt within 15 or 16 months by saving $2,400 each month from his $75,000 annual income as a restaurant manager.

Kamel and Coleman emphasized the importance of addressing Steven's gambling addiction as a crucial step towards improving his financial situation. They advised him to first settle his debts and then build an emergency fund. Additionally, they encouraged him to seek support from loved ones and experts to successfully overcome his gambling issues and achieve long-term financial stability.