From Getting Help to Giving Help; Vol. 17, Issue 17

[tammy rigsby]

Diana used gambling as an escape from her violent marriage. She would often come home from work to a spouse that was both an alcoholic but also a quick tempered person who would not think twice about physically abusing her. After the first couple of months of this, she would found solace in gambling and soon stopped coming home from work right away. Instead she would go to the casino, gamble and wait until she knew her husband would be passed out the couch. This quickly turned into a major problem and even after she finally left her husband, she would still stay in her routine and go to the casino each night to gamble and to escape whatever was on her mind that day. Diana thought this was a healthy outlet for her to use. She wasn’t hurting anyone by gambling and no one was hurting her. She soon realized that she was hurting herself as bills started to go unpaid, credit card debt built up, friends and family were alienated and she even started floating bad checks in order to obtain money to gamble. Within one year, she had lost her job, lost her car and owed well over $15,000 all due to her gambling. Finally she hit rock bottom and attempted suicide. Her sister found the number to the FCCG and called to get resources that could help her. Five years later, Diana is now a counselor that helps individuals with gambling problems. If you or someone you know has a problem, call 1-888-ADMIT-IT for workbooks, resources and referrals that can help.

Resources that can help
Certified Gambling Addiction Counselors
Gamblers Anonymous
Celebrate Recovery
Peer Connect
Live Chat
Recovery workbooks
Mental health organizations
Social Services
Legal Aid Organizations
Impaired professional assistance
Credit Counseling

...and much more

Warning Signs of Problem GamblingPreoccupation with Gambling
Risking Relationships
Gambling to Escape
Relying on Bailouts
Increasing Bets to Sustain Thrill
Concealing Activity
Loss of Control
Chasing Losses
Illegal Activities
Agitated when Stopping or Cutting Back

Check these out!!!!
www.gamblinghelp.org

http://gamblinghelp.org/forums/


Books:

Personal Foul
Tim Donaghy

Gambling in America
Earl L. Grinols

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-888-236-4848 for information and resources.

HELP STARTS HERE