When I moved to AZ in 1995, I had been an alcoholic/addict for 25 years.

My friend, who had a gambling problem, took me to the casinos. I didn't understand how someone could be addicted to gambling. That soon changed and gambling became my whole world. Within one year, I suffered more consequences than I ever had from alcohol or drugs
I am writing this letter from prison, and part of the reason I am here is because I stole money to support my gambling addiction. Two months after my first encounter with video poker and slot machines, I was hooked. In the beginning, I just did it for fun and to relieve my boredom. Then I became an escape gambler and lived to gamble.

After a "big win" I quit my job and wanted to stay at the casino and continue to gamble. I went through eight jobs in the next two years, either quitting or being fired as a result of gambling. During the last 6 months of my gambling, I didn't even look for a job since most of my waking hours were spent in the casinos or scamming to get money to gamble.
I became extremely selfish and gambling was putting a strain on my marriage. My husband thought I was having an affair since I was gone most of the time. I told him a video poker machine had become the love of my life. Unknowingly, my husband became an enabler and paid all the bills, took care of our daughter and always forgave me for staying away for days at a time at the casinos. I pawned everything we owned including our wedding rings.

My daughter begged me not to go to the casinos. I neglected her and broke promises to her. My gambling had become more important than my family.

I was irresponsible and getting progressively worse. I borrowed money, lied and even resorted to stealing just to gamble. I was obsessed and I cared about nothing but gambling. My thoughts turned to suicide on two occasions after losing everything.

Being spiritually, emotionally and physically bankrupt, I prayed to God to separate me from my addictions. That day, I was arrested for theft, trafficking in stolen goods and drugs and the judge sent me to prison for 2 years.

Gambling goes on in prison, but by the grace of God and the GA program, I haven't placed a bet since 11-24-97. I am in an intensive treatment program in prison and have worked the Steps as thoroughly as I can. I contacted GA and have a sponsor by mail. I do service work by facilitating 12 Step meetings in prison. Most of all, I'm grateful to my Higher Power, which is God, for blessing me with a chance at recovery. This program works, if you work it...One day at a time.

Margaret