[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”STORY OF A GAMBLER (CHAPTER 14: REALITIES)” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]In the end, therapy didn’t help.. Annie, and I get back together, but it did help us both individually understand ourselves better. It helped me come to terms with a lot of things, and it made me realize I wasn’t ready to be back in a marriage because recovering as a gambling addict was more than just an overnight fix.
It would be an ongoing process that I was finally willing to put 100% into no matter how long it took. Annie learned through counseling that she couldn’t get over the years of lies even though and I had to respect that. I only wanted what was best for her, my son and myself.
Eventually, we parted ways and since then I’ve made it my mission to go to every gamblers anonymous meeting and I continue to work on getting healthier day by day. It’s an ongoing battle but since that first day, when I walked into that meeting I’ve progressed a great deal. It’s one of the main reasons why I wanted to write this book. I want to let you know that it is possible to beat a gambling addiction no matter what level of gambler you are; it can be done!
I’ve learned that a gambling addiction is a bit different than other addictions out there. I’m not saying it’s any worse than an addiction like alcohol or drugs but in a way it can be the most conniving because it doesn’t really affect your outer appearances like that of a long term alcoholic or drug user and therefore it can be quite hidden to all of those around you.
I can only speak for myself, but if you’re reading this as an ex-gambler or someone who is currently going through the phases of the addiction, I’m sure you can relate. The hardest part is taking a look in the mirror and admitting to yourself that you have a problem. It’s one of the most important things you can do because you need to admit to yourself that you need help before you can even think of reaching out to a spouse, friend or family member.
The best thing I can tell you is that you’re not alone, as cliché as that may sound, it’s true. If you can’t talk to a loved one about your problem there are many options out there for you. Whether it’s calling a help number, joining a group like I did, or even being part of an online forum with an alias. I can tell you first hand, that I among many other gamblers often convinced themselves that they could stop on their own, that they didn’t need help. The reality is that maybe you can stop for a while, but the odds are that something will happen in your life either good or bad that will lure you back to the addiction. That’s why you need to reach out and get help, you need a support system. So please remember that, the next time you think that you can conquer your addiction on your own.
You’re not alone.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
