Stephanie talks about the newly introduced poker machines in Victorian pubs and clubs as being an accepted social activity when she was a youth. She started off underage gambling on pokies with her older friends, some of whom were compulsive gamblers, and she remembers their mood swings whilst gambling. Her gambling became problematic in her mid-twenties when she started using apps to bet on horses and considered that she might be able to make a career of gambling. After losing her fortnight’s salary on payday and thinking of ending everything Stephanie confided in her partner and sought help. After trying controlled gambling, she eventually made her way into Gamblers Anonymous and started to realize that she was not alone in her gambling problem. Stephanie talks candidly about the difficulty of using gambling to escape from the reality of life and how embracing the Gamblers Anonymous approach enabled her to cope with the occasional breaks, realizing that she could restart her recovery again at any time.
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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