Gambling and Older Adults - Part II

My husband passed away.

And my first visit to the casino was with my nephew.

He took me there to get away

and to find some peace of mind,

because I wasn't doing well.

I mean, I didn't know where to turn,

and the pain was so bad,

I didn't even want to think about it.

And without knowing it,

I kept going back and back and back to the casino,

until I found myself thinking,

as I was always leaving,

"How quickly can I get back?"

"How am I going to get back?"

And "How much money will I take? "

because I was spending money.

I was taking money from different places

that I had put aside for my grandchildren,

and not even realizing it.

Always thinking that I would put it back.

I'd win. I'd hit big. I'd put the money back.

Until it was too late.

It was like quicksand,

I was pulled in.

I was the sort of person in the community

that went to church,

people looked up to,

did the right things.

Did the things I thought I was supposed to do,

but when I lost my husband,

I blamed God.

I blamed everybody.

And I went somewhere, just to hide.

And gambling took me in.

I realized I was unhappy.

I didn't enjoy it anymore,

and i really didn't want to go again.

So I'd say, "No, you can't do this.

"This is not you.

"You're doing things

"that you've never done in your life,

telling people lies."

And I would convince myself of that

and turn right around and go back

to the casino.

I wasn't happy.

Didn't want to do it anymore.

I was hooked.

As a friend or a family of a senior,

we need to be aware that,

if they begin to back off from interaction,

from activities that normally they're anxious to participate in,

that is a sign we need to look for

with someone who may be developing a gambling problem.

Another is blocks of time unaccounted for

when we can't find them.

They're not at home, they're not where they're supposed to be.

But when asked there's-- there's not a real explanation

or answer for where they were.

If they begin to talk about, or be heavily interested in,

gambling activities or gambling facilities,

changes in attitude and personality,

a sudden need for money or a loss of money,

missing possessions or assets.

It's very important that you realize

what you're giving up when you find yourself

pulled into this situation.

And I would suggest a recovery program,

either a 12-Step program,

speak to a counselor, a pastor,

or someone that can talk with you,

to help you, and do it as quickly as possible.

I called the help line,

and they rescued me; they were my saving grace.

More than 500,000 Floridians

suffer from compulsive gambling.

It's an illness, but a treatable illness.

If it affects you or someone you care about,

get confidential help by calling

the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

at 888-ADMIT-IT.

888-A-D-M-I-T-I-T.

8-8-8-ADMIT IT or on the web

at gamblinghelp.org

To keep gambling entertaining,

play smart to stay safe.

Here are suggestions:

Hope to win, but expect to lose.

Play with cash, never on credit.

Stick with your limits on time and money spent gambling.

Bet only what you can afford to lose.

Make gambling social; include friends.

Keep other interests alive.

Feel good about your life outside of gambling.

Problem gamblers can be helped

to regain control of their lives,

and that specialized help is available

from people who understand.

For a free, confidential conversation,

call the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling

at 888 ADMIT IT .

888-A-D-M-I-T-I-T.

888-ADMIT IT or on the web

at gamblinghelp.org

because admitting that you have a gambling problem

is the first step to solving a gambling problem.