Zach was an anxious kid and grew up in a big rough family where expressing feelings was not encouraged by his parents. He had an alcoholic grandfather, but no one close had any isms.
His gambling started innocuously with sweeps on the Melbourne Cup, and this developed into a gambling habit while in secondary school. Initially it was using another kid’s online betting account and this led into a gambling addiction where he needed to raid his bank account and sell personal items to cover his betting losses. All his friends gambled but Zach was worse. His school results dropped and his parents were concerned about his behaviour.
Starting work provided the cash to fund his gambling but that wasn’t enough. Zach resorted to borrowing money but couldn’t repay it, leading to him being unable to sleep or concentrate at work. He didn’t see his gambling as an addiction, but his parents intervened when he was about 20 and required him to go to Gamblers Anonymous. Zach was uneasy in GA as most of the things the GA members talked about, he hadn’t done – yet. He spent 3 months without betting but with his first bet came the inevitable craving and full-blown addiction returned. Zach lost a large sum of money before he hit rock bottom. Again, his parents intervened and he went to rehab for 30 days. Here Zach met other guys who were addicted to alcohol and drugs and were on the road to recovery. In rehab he was reintroduced to GA meetings and now has been clean for over 4 months. He is rebuilding his life and his close relationships.
If you’re having trouble with gambling, or have a friend or family member that does, then maybe Gamblers Anonymous could help – phone (03) 9696 6108 or visit their website gaaustralia.org.au for information and to see a list of local meetings.
Show your support to the Living Free show by:
Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP) musicians featured this week:
The Living Free Crew
