Speak out and make your words count. I am and I need you to do it too.
Whoever is reading this, I hope you get in touch with me. My story is compelling and soon to be on every bookshelf in the country. I will also being doing speaking engagements.
My story is very riveting. I am a gambling addict and that will never change. I no longer gamble, but I am speaking out and writing this book in hopes of helping others understand the severity of this awful addiction and how out of control it has become. In a 5 year period I won close to 20 million dollars. I was a “Trophy Wife,” a mother and a friend to all. I gambled 17 hours a day, 6-7 days a week. I played the slots. I was given all the perks from a casino that so many could only dream about. My story is the story that you think that you would hear in a bar, but my story is real and very sad.
I went to prison, not once but twice. I was destitute. I was gambling close to 30 years of my life. Yes, I had other addictions but gambling was the reason I went to prison. I truly believe that gambling is the symptom of water-tight disassociation. It is not only my belief but the belief of professionals using fancier language and terminology. I did not come to my conclusion in therapy, but first-hand through long and overdue evaluation and honesty. I was a gambler. There are 12 step programs and facilities that are wonderful. For me, I did it myself. I crawled out of a hole that I was suffocating in. I am the fortunate one. I threw away the old china and changed my life. I lived in
judgement my entire life. I had so many issues and real issues. The slot machines were my best friend, they never left me, they were always there in the same place. I fed them and yes, they got their money back but in the end I won.
My life is one of wonders and journeys I will never forget. The difference now is I have allowed myself to feel for the very first time and it took belief in myself. I can tell you that it starts with feeling and so many of us have been damaged. But we can be repaired, it takes time. But in the end, it is so incredible. I have begun to dream again and I live a very happy life and I have nothing but good come to me. Gambling is an out of control run away train and gambling institutions and the government must enforce very strict guidelines much like the alcohol industry. Gambling is a mental addiction and there are so many that need help. When I went away to prison, my hope was that in years to come this addiction would be addressed and there are those who are finally realizing that something must be done for that person that commits that crime to feed his habit. Speak out and make your words count. I hope to hear from anyone that would like to tell me your story.
-Michelle from CA