Donna's story

I’ve been living with a compulsive gambler for 30 years. I could write a book about the things he has done to me over the years, but that's just predictable. We have both been to Gamblers Anonymous and counselling groups. But if the truth be told, nothing has ever worked.

I’m writing my story tonight for my own sanity.

I know deep down that he will never stop gambling. I think I've even accepted that it is an illness. But I do realise that the only way to help me get on with my life is to leave him once and for all. I’ve threatened this many times, and even left for several days, always knowing I would come back. I even married him last year. But for once in my life I’m putting myself first. Things will never change unless he admits to his problem I know he won’t.

Writing this is actually therapy for me. I hope my life starts looking up, and for all people in similar situations, I hope and pray that life becomes a lovely experience instead of a nightmare.