A compulsive gambler who participated in
Gamblers Anonymous program shared his recovery in hopes to help
others affected by this addiction.
Sean was an above average student in high
school. He played sports, volunteered at the local soup kitchen on
holidays and had a high school sweetheart that he married soon after
graduating. He went on to college and received his degree. Five
years after graduating college he already had two kids and a
beautiful home. He was living the American dream. Everything was
going great. Then one day the local news broad cast the grand
opening of a gambling establishment. The news reporter hailed it as
a big boost for the local economy. Little did Sean know that this
new place was going to cost him his life savings and more.
The local excitement generated by the
opening stimulated the public’s curiosity. Most people have never
really been exposed to gambling and the affects it can have on you.
The local news stated that there were going to be just as many stars
at the opening as there were at the Academy Awards. Everyone wanted
to go and check it out. Besides gambling they have various types of
entertainment, unique shopping, first class accommodations and top
quality food. Sean called his friends to go and everyone said yes.
Sean had the time of his life. He was one
of the lucky ones he won $500.00 and everyone else either broke even
or lost their money. They all agreed they had a fantastic night and
could not wait to do it again. They all decided that they should go
every Friday night. It was time for them to get out of the house and
take a break from the kids. Everyone found a babysitter and off
they went.
For the next six months Sean, his wife and
friends spent Friday nights dancing, eating and gambling. Everyone
thought this was the life. They all had good jobs and no financial
problems. Sean was on a hot streak. His first game of choice was
poker. His wife really did not like to gamble but she like the
shops and entertainment. While Sean gambled his wife went to the
shows and shopped till she dropped. She thought everything was
fine. Sean would hand her $200.00 he said he just won and told her
to treat herself to something special at the stores. Little did
everyone know that Sean’s $500.00 gambling limit was up to $1,500.00
a week. His friends also did not realize that he was losing. He
would run to the cash machine at the end of the night and made
people to believe he either won or broke even. He was always an
honest guy, there was no reason anyone would suspect that he was
lying.
A year had passed and Sean had lost over $15,000.00. The wife had
no idea, but Sean was beginning to have doubts about the gambling
establishment, but could not stop. He remembers one day he called
in sick from work and decided to spend the day gambling. He was
sure he could win back all the money he lost. He took
Gamblers
Anonymous Compulsive Gambling Addiction Story Part
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