Over the past year I have received a significant
number of emails seeking help in their battle
against compulsive gambling addiction. My goal
was to help others who were going through what I
went through. I have read every email received
from around the world. I realized that people
affected by gambling addiction needed help and they
wanted it now.
I
received emails from teenagers to seniors, family
members and friends all looking for a solution.
I also received emails from high school parents
looking for statistical information, reporters from
around the world, talk shows and political parties.
I was amazed that people were finally realizing that
compulsive gambling addiction was negatively
affecting our society.
Based on the information in the emails I have
learned that people are very similar around the
world. It doesn't matter what country you live
in, we all have feelings, emotions and a desire to
live a better life.
I
have also received a few hostile emails from
compulsive gamblers lashing out at the world.
These are people who have lost all their financial
resources, trust, family and friends and had
no where to go. This at first was the most
difficult emails to handle. As time went on I
began to understand what they were looking for and
through this process we have become comrades in our
battle against gambling addiction.
Then there were individuals who emailed me and used
the words I can't go on living like this anymore.
These emails concerned me the most. I always
responded "If you are feeling depressed or suicidal
you should go and talk it out. There are
emergency hotlines, family doctor, friends,
relatives and other professionals who can help you
get through this period in your life. I
also shared with them others who felt the same way.
As each day passed and they started their
recovery their self esteem increased and their
desire to live increased.
Then I received emails from gamblers anonymous
members upset by some of my articles. These
emails I enjoyed because I knew people were
listening. To set the record straight
Gamblers Anonymous is wonderful for the people that
they have helped and continue to help. The GA
program has a lot to offer those that are willing to
participate in a twelve step program.
Compulsive gamblers need to find a program that
works for them. It just so happens that a
large percentage of the emails I receive are from
people who tried Gamblers Anonymous and were
unsuccessful. People involved in gambling
addiction recovery programs need to be very
realistic and open minded. I received one
email from a person who replaced his gambling
addiction with exercise. He told me that it's
been eighteen months now and his life has completely
turned around. Other emails I received were
from people who were able to stop on their own, but
their friend was not able to.
Companies who are involved in gambling addiction
recovery programs should all work together.
We also have different approaches to helping people
with their gambling addiction but the one thing in
common. We are all here to help people rebuild
their lives in order for them to have a brighter
future. It's time to work together.
I
gathered a collection of emails that I have received
over the past year in order share with you how
other's felt when they were confronted with a
gambling addiction. All names have been change
to protect their anonymity.
Emails from
around the world page
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