[January]

Oh gee, Susan, I don't know. The only things I can offer are hugs, and I hope they help a little bit.

((((((((((((((((((((((Susan's Friend)))))))))))))))))

(((((((((((((((((((((Susan)))))))))))))))))))))))

Jan

[Myzen]

Hi Ozzie,

It sounds to me like your friend had some serious problems already with the physical stuff and the depression, and the gambling might have been the only thing that gave her a short term lift.

That makes the way out of it harder, but I'm thinking that the problems were there for her before the gambling kicked in.

It's only a hunch.

Cheers, M

PS - You'd be a good friend to have around in that situation.

[Shaymus]

I dont have any answers either. Maybe you can find one of the gamblers anonymous meetings and tell her the time and place one of the meetings is at? If she seemed open to it maybe she would go if there was a set time and place. Sometimes when im lost inside myself even if i think something is a good idea i dont have the concentration to figure out the specifics so i end up not doing it.

[jmo531]

Susan,

I know that there are recovery places out there for gamblers. I really dont know anything specific off the top of my head. I am sorry your friend is having such a hard time right now. Prayers are with her at this time.


Hugs,


Jen

[CedarS]

The National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (800.522.4700) is available tollfree 24 hours a day, 7 days a week everywhere in the U.S. All calls are strictly confidential. When you call the helpline, a counselor will listen to your concerns and answer your questions about problem gambling. The counselor may ask you questions to help determine the most appropriate resources for your situation and then they will give you information on how to access those resources. Everything you discuss with the counselor is confidential. You will be referred to services in your area that may include counselors, self help groups, treatment centers and a variety of other resources.

http://www.ncpgambling.org/help/

Gamblers Anonymous meetings might work well for her, directory and other info here:

http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

If she likes to read, she can find a lot on this subject through public libraries, also could browse through books at amazon.com or other bookseller. When I was struggling with compulsive behavior issues, books helped me a lot.

[Raynaadi]

Hi ozzie,

Please feel free to give her my email address. I'm not a gambler, however I have an addiction and am a member of one of those anonymous groups, as you know. It help her feel more at ease, knowing she's not the only one with addiction problems. I hope things look up for her!

~Rayna
onebilliards@cox.net

[curley]

As you know this is a very sad situation. She has added an addiction to her many problems. I am not addicted to gambling but I do know people that are and I myself am a recovering drug addict. 3 1/2 years. If Your friend has admitted she has a gambling problem (first step toward recovery is to admit you have a problem) and will seek help with gamblers Anonoymous then get her right over there. i can relate to the money disappearing, I have seen people lose everything gambling. They always think they will win, if they play once more. But she can not let her guilt feelings, keep her from going to Gamblers Anonoymous. In her mind she will justify her continual gambling. If she feels guilty and gambles the guilt will build and build. It may sound strange but since she is already gambling and feeling guilty the addict behavior says, well, I already feel terrible so why not do it again. If she is having loss of memory
that could all be due to guilt! If going to the group does not start to show some results in that area, then possibly the Doctor here can suggest something. But many of us are good at erasing what we dont want to remember. Good luck

[heatherm]

(((((((Susan))))))))

Here are some links which may help too...

National Council on Problem gambling

Responsible Gambling Council

Hope these help.

[CedarS]

On problem gambling and dissociating: just in the bit of google research I did, on those two terms, I could see that there is lots of info out there on this.

From what I experienced myself of compulsive behavior, I definitely disassociated, lost track of time, spaced out. Though not to the extent of your friend.

And I definitely was self medicating in a sense too. Spacing out through compulsive behavior, in my case it was online gaming and chat, was a way for me to escape the reality of mental and physical health challenges.

I did not know I was self medicating at the time, nor did I know for quite awhile that my behavior was compulsive and badly affecting me.

Good luck, you might even want to get some books on problem gambling yourself to read, to help you out as a friend, will give you more info on what to watch for in her, and also on how to take good care of yourself.

Sarah

This site looks good: http://www.femalegamblers.org/

[downsolong]

Just about anywhere else than GA might be better. Tell them to wise up and stop gambling.

http://web.archive.org/web/200011010...m/gambler.html

~Down