It just takes one to fall off the wagon.' 'We've had people who've been abstinent for 10, 20 years and they go back. 'It will stay with me forever,' she said. She joined Gamblers Anonymous where, eight years later, she is still a regular and offers support to others with gambling addictions. 'You don't want people to know that you are gambling money away because people don't understand it, that it is an illness.' If you or anyone you know needs help:

'One of the things about compulsive gamblers like myself is that we're very secretive and very good at lying,' she said. Her self-esteem at rock bottom, she went about the difficult task of coming clean with friends and family.ĭo you know more about this story? Email Claire Moodie 'I thought if I don't do something about this, I am going to lose my house, I will never be able to retire.' Huge loss opened her eyes