Meet George

He started his conversation 4 years ago.

My life wouldn’t be the same without treatment.

The casino drew me in and little by little, gambling just took off because I felt euphoric there, I didn’t have to worry about things. But I was spending every last dollar between the casino and trying to find a place to live each night. It was May 10, 2013, when I said I had enough. I had just spent the very last of my money.

My first conversation was for crisis help. I called my medical insurance, and then the hospital for advice on where to get treatment. I reached out and said, “I need help. I don’t know how I am going to deal with this by myself. I am suicidal. I need help.”

My life has gradually grown with recovery, and I have a lot of support around me. Now I tell people to have the conversation because problem gambling is likely to sneak up and hurt you and hurt people around you very quickly.

Reach out and talk to someone if you even have a glimpse of what might be a gambling problem. I’ve learned that I am not alone in this battle of gambling addiction. There are other people around who struggle. I have to live recovery one day at a time and try to help the next person if they are struggling.

If you need immediate support for a mental health crisis call 9-1-1 or the suicide prevention and crisis counseling line 1-866-379-6363