GOODBYE LETTERS
When compulsive gamblers reach a point in their lives when they decide they must fight the addiction, many seek treatment at the Problem Gambling Center. As part of our program, they are asked to write a goodbye letter to their addiction. Below are letters that have been written by our clients, at one of the lowest points in their lives, when despair, self-hatred and hopelessness have overwhelmed them. These letters are followed by letters written by clients after they have completed the program. Judge for yourself the effectiveness of treatment for problem gambling.
Dear Gambling Addiction,
This should come as no surprise, but the time has come for you to quit my life. You do not deserve me. For the past year our relationship has gone from good, to bad, to hell-on-earth. You have power to be nothing but a parasite that is eating away at the core of my being - enough is enough! I suspect the journey will be difficult, after all, for too long I have known nothing but you and in the beginning you offered me a thrill unlike any other - now the thrill has gone and all that is left is heartbreak and negativity.
But not for much longer...
I am rediscovering myself and the life that awaits me has no place for a demon like you. I can safely say that I am becoming a lifelong warrior against people like you and you will never be safe in my presence. I will grow to learn to live without you and ignore your incessant behavior that has plagued my life for far too long.
You have brought out the worst in me and although I am ashamed of giving in to your game, I no longer associate myself with the miseries of my past - You are in my past and that is where you remain - a mere blimp on the pages of my memories.
It’s over.
Chris |
Goodbye Gambling from Mary Ann C,
In 25 years of gambling I have finally taken measures to say goodbye. I’d be lying if I said I don’t hate this goodbye, but it is one that I must do. I am determined to rid myself of this disease because if I don’t it will probably kill me. I’ve been dying a slow death with my gambling. It has finally caught up with me. It has totally destroyed my life and that of my husband who has been destroyed by my disease. My regret is that it took destruction to open my eyes.
May the power of the Almighty give me the strength to kick this terrible addiction. Gambling, you once ruled my life, but no more. You are the hand of the devil that I will never hold anymore.
Goodbye! |
Dear Gambling,
I have been with you for about four years, and have told you many times that I was going to leave you, but never did. I watched as you turned me into a liar a thief and made me feel as if I wanted to die. You have brought shame and you have brought me guilt. You have taken my strength and have turned me into an addict with no regard for myself and my family. You have taken my money and my time away from my children. When I should have been at the park, on time picking them up from school, or home early from work.
You have destroyed my ability to be honest, and to be Rachel. I am not going to be seeing you again because I want more out of my life than you can ever give me. I am gaining my control back, and I will not let you take my life again. I never want to see you, hear from you or play with you again. I thought that you could make my problems go away, but it was all a trick. You made them worst. I thought that you could make my dreams come true, but you have destroyed them.
I am taking my life back again, and I am going to face things that have hurt me, instead of turning to you. I know that there are going to be times when I am going to want you, and am going to ling for you, but I believe that the strength I get from the real Rachel and from god that I turned away to be with you, you will no longer have a place in my life. I have nothing more to say to you except good bye and that I regret the day that I ever thought you were for entertainment purposes only.
Your Victim,
Rachel |
Dear Gambling Disease
I needed to write this letter to say good-bye! God willing I will never meet you again. I have had enough of you. You have caused me enough pain and destruction. You almost got your ultimate wish of death for me, but I was saved! I will now do everything in my power to keep you forever away from me.
My God and my program are now my new addiction in life. They will teach me to live and not just exist. It is your turn to just exist and not live. I am looking forward to seeing reality again. I am really looking forward to a life of serenity, happiness, joy, and freedom from you.
Good Bye
Ron C |
To Whom It May Concern:
I have had the pleasure of attending Doctor Hunter’s intensive outpatient program. I am a semi-retired educator. My life had become a total mess! I was no longer a valued contributing member of society. I was facing physical and financial ruin. My wife was ready to file for divorce.
In seven short weeks this program has brought my life back into reality. How this came about, I am not sure. The fact remains, I no longer wish to gamble and have found that I once again can become a contributing member of society. I am aware that I still must continue to work on my addiction. This I am willing to do now that I understand what it was that led to my self-destruction.
I am so thankful that such a program as this was available within the structure of financial reach. The people that work within this program have truly demonstrated their dedication to those like myself. It is frightening to think what would have become of me had not this program been available. It surely would have been the death of me.
How can an individual ever repay such a blessed gift? I can think of only one simple way. That is to never put myself into such a situation again. With God’s help and my following all the principles I have been taught in this program, I feel quite hopeful that my future holds promise and happiness. This is a totally new and exciting experience for my family and me. We are truly thankful and blessed.
My sincere thanks to all those responsible for seeing that such a program is not only available, but at a price that does not keep anyone out. May God bless them.
Sincerely and thankfully yours,
Roger H.
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To Whom It May Concern:
For the past sixteen months I have been a recovering pathological gambler. My life today is no longer based upon gambling and the lies I found myself buried under and fear of being discovered by those I love. The credit card debt that was growing with each loss made me realize that I had lost control of my life.
After attending Dr. Hunter’s workshops and sessions I was given the tools with which to put my life back in order. I found that by following a set of guidelines and allowing those who cared for me to help me, life has become meaningful and happy. I am debt free! I no longer carry any credit cards with me or any in the family with balances. I am able to manage with just a few dollars that I carry without being tempted to gamble.
My marriage is no longer in danger of ending. It may sound strange to someone who is not a compulsive person, but I can look in the mirror and know that the man looking back at me is not a bad man. I was only a man that was in desperate need of help to get my life back in order.
I have a beautiful home, a family that loves me, and a life that I am proud to say is very worthwhile. I will never be free of this illness, but I do feel that it will remain in remission as long as I never forget what life was like during those years when my only desire was to destroy myself and those I loved through gambling
RH |
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