Gerard started underage betting on horseracing as a 14-year-old and as his gambling passion increased his school performance suffered. Form-guide betting on the horses with friends as a 17-year-old was a weekly event and he used part-time jobs to cover his losses. It wasn’t until a traffic accident as a 19-year-old that Gerard started isolating and using gambling a s a means to forget. Lying came easily to him as he hid his gambling addiction from work, family and friends and even did a geographical to try and stop gambling.
Gerard was married for 10 years before his partner discovered the true extent of his gambling and even then, he couldn’t stop. His brother got him to a Gamblers Anonymous meeting about 6 months ago and Gerrard feels at home and was able to share his feelings of regret, shame, and despair at his inability to stop thinking about gambling.
GA has enabled Gerard to break his isolation, understand his addiction and address his real gambling problem.
If you’re having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.
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