Hi Michael and welcome to the forum. Is there someone in your personal life that you would trust to help you with your finances? In the beginning asking us to have uncontrolled access to money is like asking a crack addict to carry around a bag of crack. It would be so difficult to just abstain. I had someone control my finances and only give me a small allowance for the first little while. Then, because it became difficult to manage a household that way I had my accountant family member monitor my bank account. I provided them with original receipts (so I couldn’t return items without it showing on the receipts I gave them). I had hit rock bottom and my shame kept me gambling free in the beginning. But I knew that it would pass eventually. This gave me a layer of protection, an extra barrier to make sure I protected my money from me!
I’m happy to see that your employer treated you as you likely advocate for addicts to be treated. With fairness and respect. With an opportunity to correct the problem and treat the illness. Addicts of all types come from all walks of life. When the illness is treated they become mostly empathetic productive members of society. And after all, they are usually our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, other relatives or friends. We should give the same kindness and love to our self as we would to another who is struggling. Keep tackling this addiction from all sides. You are taking many positive steps. You CAN have a gamble free life once again. Take care, Laura
