Miracle Stories
 Betting On Mary Some time ago NBC's Dateline contacted the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling / CORE with the words... "You have a story the world needs to hear..." we agreed. The result is the video "Betting On Mary". If we can help you or someone you know with a gambling problem please contact us or call us toll free at 1-877-770-STOP or call the National Problem Gamblers Helpline at 1-800-522-4700. I came to CORE when I hit rock bottom. All I could think of at that moment is that I needed somewhere to go, away from it all. By coming to CORE for 36 days that would give me a jump start off the bet. It would also provide me with the counseling, structure and tools I need upon leaving CORE to begin my recovery. So to all the staff and clients at CORE... I arrived at CORE on 6-2-03. I was coming from Philadelphia. As I was boarding the plane in Philly, I thought I was the worst person in the world. I was possibly leaving for good, not knowing if I even had a future with my family. Fearing all those people that I lied and owed money to….God knows that I wished I would die. CORE gave me life…A great life. CORE taught me how to love myself. What a gift! It sounds so crazy. I shed many tears of fear, stress, anxiety and I now shed tears of joy. I hope and pray that anyone anywhere in need of treatment pick up that phone. Make that call -make that commitment. God knows you deserve it! During my stay at CORE I was able to turn my life completely around. I was scared, nervous and extremely depressed. I thought my life was completely over. With the help of the entire staff, especially Nikki, whom I truly love, I was able to do the unbelievable. When I arrived at CORE lonely and quiet, I wanted to go home that day. Upon completing treatment, I was in tears at having to leave. The staff and visitors were totally professional. I’ve learned so much as I’m about to celebrate my 6th anniversary “Off the Bet.” I live life on life’s terms. All that I am and all that I have I truly owe it all to CORE. I would strongly urge anyone that has this addiction to contact them. We are all one big family with love and compassion to go around. Love always, Hi, my name is Harold F. I came to CORE in August of 2006. Needless to say, I was at the end of my rope when I got there, but those great people showed me how to tie a knot and hang on by the time I left after 36 days. I can't say thank you enough to Karen and that great staff at CORE. Her words of kindness and encouragement got me through those 36 days. No one could truly understand me like the staff and other compulsive gamblers that today I call friends. I met people that had walked in the same shoes that I wore, and walked down the same road that I had traveled. I could go on and on about CORE and its staff, but I would like to tell you about what happened after CORE. I was off the bet for one and a half years when one day my wife called me at work crying saying that the IRS wanted more money after I had paid them very handsomely before. At that point I decided that enough was enough, I don't carry more than ten dollars at a time so I went home, stole my wife's bank card and off to the OTB I was going. After going to alll those GA meetings three times a week, I remembered what they said to do, call someone before you make the first bet. Everything from my old gambling characteristics came into play, I started scheming. One of my fellow GA members would speak all the time, never was there a time that I would call that she didn't answer. On the other hand there was another woman, she never picks up the phone, it's always her voicemail. Just as when I was gambling, I thought I could outsmart everybody. The solution, don't call the person who would pick up the phone, call the other woman who would let the answering machine get it. No one could say that I didn't try to call. I outsmarted everyone except God. I dialed the woman's number and to my surprise after the second ring she picked up. I asked her what was she doing picking up the phone. Her reply was, "You called me." I told her you weren't supposed to answer and the answering machine shoulld have gotten it. At that very moment I knew that God has not forgotten me because if he did, I would not be able to say today that it has been three years since I bet on a hourse. If that were not Devine intervention, I don't know what is. At CORE they taught me how to get back in touch with my Higher Power, GOD ALMIGHTY. It works only if you want it to. Much love to Karen, Lynda and the staff of CORE........I'm Harold F and with that I'll pass.
|