Gambler Chronicles Her History of Gambling Addiction and Her Road to Recovery

 

My husband realized something was wrong after the bill collectors began to call. He was upset with me.  My self destructive behaviour once again told him he should divorce me.  He was in agreement.  I was shocked.  He told me that he missed me and wanted the old me back or he would take the children and leave.  My kids.  I love my kids. This was a wake up call, but I didn't know how to stop gambling.  I was so ashamed of myself.  I told my husband about seventy percent of the things I had done over the past few years.  He was in shock.  I wanted to tell him everything, but I wanted to change and I wanted my old life back.

 

My husband threatened to divorce me and take the kids with him.  That was enough for me to want to stop gambling.  My first thought was how. My husband had been doing research on the internet.  He found Gamblers Anonymous and this site I Stopped Gambling, So Can You.  The site fascinated my husband because he was able to learn about compulsive gambling addiction.  He contacted Keith asking for his help.

 

I remembered that night I had to face my husband.  He gave me the resources to help myself and told me he would support me in any level that he could.  He could not relate to my addiction.  He knew it was real but couldn't understand.  He paid for the membership top the I Stop Gambling Chat Room and bought two manuals too.  He was ready to guide me.  He didn't realize that I was feeling suicidal and felt I had no where to turn.  The chat room saved my life.  I remember Keith emailing me and was concerned for my well being.  He told me if I continued to feel this way that I should go and talk to my family doctor or friend.  I felt Keith was my new friend and he could understand what I was feeling.  I would go as often as I could to the chat room and met really nice people.  I realized I was not alone and other people understood how I felt. The I Stop Gambling Manual really hit home.  It was easy to read and helped motivate me to look forward. 

 

The combination of the manual and the chat room helped me to stop gambling.  Keith recommended that I should check out a couple of Gamblers Anonymous meetings in my area.  I went to two but realized  I was not ready to face people.  The chat room was perfect for my personality.  

 

I now remember all the pain I was in and take one day at a time.  I am happy to say I have not gambled in one hundred and ninety two days.  I know it's not a long time, but I take it one day at a time

As I previously stated the I Stop Gambling website had the right type of combination that was perfect for my personality.   A private chat room, a private message board and a great manual. I found a new rewarding friendship with Keith.  I thought my husband would not understand, but Keith was there for him too.  I believe this is one of the best stop gambling sites on the internet.  I believe it's due to the sincerity of the people involved and the dedication of Keith to help people when they are down and need help. 

 

I can tell I am ready to move on with life.  My gambling addiction no longer runs my life.  I am sleeping , enjoying my family and most of all now have a peace of mind and a direction for my future.  The continued support I get from this website will help me one day at a time.

 

Update April 25, 2005

 

I am pleased to announce that Diana has now stopped gambling for six months.  Her husband surprised her with a romantic weekend getaway.   She continues to take one day at a time. 

                                                                                                                   Keith