MINNESOTA PROBLEM GAMBLING HELPLINE 1-800-333-4673 (HOPE) • TEXT "HOPE" TO 53342 • CHAT NOW ONLINE info@mnapg.org

Gambling Stories

Austin Strom’s Story

At age 24, seven years into a gambling
obsession, Austin Strom found help — and recovery.

READ HIS STORY

Carmen’s Story

Carmen’s gambling addiction drove
her to do things she’d never imagined.

READ HER STORY

Dorothy’s Story

Dorothy had the perfect life before
a gambling addiction jeopardized it all.

READ HER STORY

SHARE YOUR STORY

Gambling addiction and the impacts it has on loved ones is often a well-kept secret. The stigma is real and significant, often preventing someone from seeking the help they need. By offering your story, whether you’ve been directly or indirectly impacted by gambling addiction, others can gain a better understanding of this addiction.

The power of sharing stories is transformative. Each story is unique, yet shares common threads that enables all of us to better understand this addiction and appreciate another person’s vulnerability.

Need some help getting started?

Here are a few questions to prompt your thoughts. Feel free to express yourself in prose, poetry, song, video or a visual piece.

PROMPTS FOR A GAMBLER

  • What led you to seek recovery?
  • What support did you receive (or not) from family, friends, work?
  • What have been the significant barriers/challenges you faced in your recovery?
  • How has recovery changed your life?
  • What is your hope for the future?

PROMPTS FOR A CONCERNED OTHER

  • When you realized your loved one had a gambling addiction, did they confront you or did you find out accidentally?
  • How have you navigated the challenges in your relationship with the gambler as each seeks recovery?
  • Were you able to be open about the situation with other family members, friends?
  • What measures did you take to protect your assets?
  • What would you say to someone facing a similar situation?
  • What is your hope for the future?
Share Your Story`

Recovery Stories

In Their Own Words – Melanie’s Story

In Their Own Words – Melanie’s Story

Melanie returned to GA after losing her job, experiencing depressions and attending treatment for her gambling. She learned that she can find hope and meaning from the most unlikely of sources and lives a gambling-free life today. READ MORE

Gambling addiction recovery podcasts

After Gambling

After Gambling

After Gambling podcast is a show dedicate to increasing awareness and understanding problem gambling. LISTEN

MNAPG has had the privilege of speaking with and sharing numerous recovery stories over the years. We know that visitors to our site spend time reflecting on these stories. We hope you will find them helpful. Each story provides a unique look into the life of someone with a gambling addiction. Each willingly shared their story in the hope it would help others understand that recovery, though not easy, is possible and so worth the journey.

3 Questions

to ask if you think your gambling is starting to be a problem.
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Literature about problem gambling

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