Graham is a compulsive gambler who has managed to overcome his gambling obsession, one day at a time, with the help of Gamblers Anonymous.  Growing up in a fairly normal home Graham began to struggle in his mid-teens, went on to teacher’s college but found that he couldn’t control the kids in class. This led to his drinking and eventually to Alcoholics Anonymous where he was able to recover and stay sober. Graham started playing the pokies and found that he was hooked immediately. As he says, telling the first lie to his wife was the hardest thing, then lying became a normal part of daily living as a compulsive gambler. His wife kept the family finances under control and challenged Graham to seek help for his gambling problem. Unable to moderate his gambling, Graham found the Gamblers Anonymous way of abstaining completely enabled him to break free of his compulsion. About 18 months since his last bust/gamble Graham feels that although he has to watch himself, his life has definitely improved without gambling.

If you’re having trouble with gambling and think that Gamblers Anonymous could help you then phone (03) 9696 6108 or see their website gaaustralia.org.au.