Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of gambling addiction, abuse, cancer, and suicidal thoughts, which may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening and step away if you need to.

In this deeply personal episode of The Broke Girl Society Podcast, host Christina Cook opens the first chapter of a new series titled "A Letter to My Gambling Addiction."

Through raw and honest storytelling, Christina reads a letter she has written to the addiction that once held her in its grip. She traces the journey from its initial allure to the devastating ways it became entwined with her life. She reflects on how gambling became both an escape and a prison, how it masked pain from past abuse, and how it numbed her through the fear and grief of facing cancer.

This is more than a story about struggle. It is about reclaiming a life once thought lost. Christina shares the truth of survival, the courage it took to step into recovery, and the role of community in helping her discover a life she no longer wants to escape from.

If you have ever felt alone in the throes of gambling harm, this episode is for you. You are not alone. You are not beyond help. There is a way forward, and you are worth it.

**If you are struggling with your mental health or having thoughts of self harm, please seek the help of professionals. We only speak from our own perspective and experience. This recording should not be used as a replacement for professional help but as encouragement in your recovery journey.  

~ This episode is sponsored by The Better Institute - Where people go to get better!

 https://betterinstitute.com/problem-gambling-help/'

~ Gamfin -  Financial Counseling with counselors who understand the impacts of gambling on financial health and individual goals. (For those in the US only). 

https://www.gamfin.org/ 

~ Evive - An app that can help you better understand your relationship with gambling and help you navigate recovery in a new way! Use code BGS for ONE year free!! 

https://www.getevive.com/

~ Birches Health - Find a Gambling Certified Therapist through telehealth that allows you to have a session in the comfort of your own home. 

https://bircheshealth.com/ 

Resource Book: https://bgs-media.com/resources/

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For more information on the GRIT Act:

https://www.ncpgambling.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022.09.01-GRIT-Act-OneSheet.pdf

If you’d like to support the work I do please rate this episode (Please be Kind!)

#gamblingaddiction

#recovery

#gamblersanonymous

#gambling

Helpful links:

https://www.ncpgambling.org/ You can find State and International Resources Here

https://800gambler.org/

https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

https://gamblersinrecovery.com/ - 24/7 meetings all over the world

https://recoveryroadonline.com/ - meetings throughout the day

Christina Cook: https://thebrokegirlsociety.com/ / [email protected]

UK Help:

https://gordonmoody.org.uk/

https://www.betknowmoreuk.org/services/new-beginnings

Australia Help:

https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/

Canada Help:

https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/problem-gambling