I am the sister of a gambler and have watched the struggle first hand. One cannot understand your personal struggle and those around you are also along for the ride whether consciously or unconsciously. I have had to learn how to love my brother unconditionaly yet not fall prey to his addiction. I encourage you to surround yourself with a support system to help you through your dark moments, you will have them but how you pull through it will be a small step toward recovery. Recognize that it took a long time for you to develop this addiction and it will take equally a long time to recover and handle this terrible burden. I think you have made the first step in acknowledeging that you want to recover, take one step at a time and envision yourself walking on stepping stones, each stone will take you to the a diffent place in your life. You can either go with the flow, one day at a time and when you fall off the path chose to get back on ruffle your feathers and move on or drown in your addiction. Carry a small rock in your pocket and each time you feel the urge, throw that rock as far as you can and move on. When you toss that rock, acknowlege that this is release toward recovery. I wish you strenght when you are weak, courage to go forth and wisdom to continue
A friend
