GROUP THERAPY TOPICS

In my post of March 29th "Do you have an inner voice", I should have included that group therapy also continued weekly for the next 4 years. My counselor was the group leader and  on nights when new participants joined, the topic included introductory remarks by those present.

I always explained what type of compulsive gambler I was and usually described my gambling history.  Frequently I remembered to relate my "big win" experience.  It's surprising how many members were shaking their heads yes, because a similar big win happened to them .

I was at the casino late at night, about 2 A.M. I'm guessing, when I wandered into the high roller slots for the first time.  A Unicorn machine looked interesting and I played 5 lines for a total of five dollars each spin.  After a few spins my machine stopped on a win, and seconds later an attendant was by my side saying "Do you know what you have just won?".

"No" I answered, "What?".  "$10,000.00" he replied.  I was in shock but calmly told him I wanted $100 bills and someone to walk me to the car when I left.

I did leave with all of the money and was home by 5 AM.  My husband usually awoke at that time so I walked into the bedroom, threw all the bills on the bed and we laughed and laughed.

He got $1000 of it and we had a new TV within the week. Now years later he insists my big win was the start of my disease.  I don't know.

I did Google  "big wins related to compulsive gambling" and found this website http://www.recoveryassociates.org/what-causes-compulsive-gambling/.
An article by Dr Robert Custer suggests there are 3 phases of a progressive gambling problem: a winning phase, a losing phase, and a desperation section. I guess my big win fits Phase 1.

Now, I've scared the Unicorn.  I'm creating a toolbox full of fire tricks to help me avoid any setback.