Karl spent his childhood looking forward to growing up so that he could enjoy the social life his parents enjoyed with lots of drinking and gambling. Neither Karl nor his parents considered drinking and gambling to be dangerous, but for Karl, who won a substantial amount of money at his first poker game as a young teenager, gambling, drinking and drug use soon became problematic. He entered re-hab, mainly for his substance abuse, and found it helpful, but it was only after his gambling robbed him of hope and he entered a re-hab program where problem gambling was addressed, that he found the lasting help of GA. Now clean, sober and free of the compulsion to gamble, Karl is making amends for the past and helping people still struggling with their addictions.
The Living Free show may involve discussion of topics such as suicide, mental illness, self-harm and family violence. Please practise self-care and care of others when listening.
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.
If you are a partner, family member or friend of someone with a gambling problem you may find the help you need with a GAM-ANON group. The GA website has a link to their website and contact details: gaaustralia.org.au/gam-anon
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