Patient 1
“I’m writing [to] reference the free gambling counseling serving the services have been beneficial in recognizing the reason for my destructive behavior. My counselor has been able to help me understand many of the reasons for gambling. My family blames the casino for my addictive behavior but thought the gambling program I have been able to tap into the reasoning and emotional stages of my gambling behavior.
My counselor is working with me and is teaching me how to cope and get into the core of my gambling problem. The program is awesome. When you’re drowning debt, a bundle of nerves, and can’t seem to find a solution, there’s no choice but the 1-800 # to face reality and the words ENEMIMITY & Free Counseling.
For me, it was time. Thank you the program is excellent,” said anonymous patient on October 24, 2015.
Patient 2
“In a few words, the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling (NCMGP) saved my life. I hit rock bottom after a night at the [anonymous] casino. I knew I needed help. I called the Hotline and was referred to a therapist.
The therapist opened her calendar to me that same day, the start of intense counseling. Our sessions were cleansing. The therapist’s method of counseling allows the client to analyze the problem. She has the ability to draw out the problem, allows the client to rethink the cause and solutions. After every session I felt a great relief.
I know that I have an addiction: gambling. The therapist was instrumental in giving me solutions. Those solutions help me identify stressors that trigger my addiction. Identifying why I gamble has given me the tools I needed to avert my disability.
Again, I want to thank the therapist and the entire team from the NMCPG. You saved my life and family,” wrote anonymous patient on January 27, 2015.
Patient 3
“I started meeting with the counselor in November 2014 when I called the NMCPG. I called that day and the counselor responded by the next day. At that time we set up an appointment to meet. By that time, I was in a state of helplessness and spiraling out of control with my gambling addiction.
Since meeting with the counselor, I’ve had to confront my problem with gambling heads on. He asked me to ban myself from [anonymous] casino, but I was not ready. A month into my counseling session, I was ready to admit that I was not in control. He has been very forthcoming about my addiction. He has been able to address the gambling issue heads on with his own experience and that has been most helpful in helping me.
The counselor has also tackled some of my private issues and he has a wide understanding of emotional behaviors that lead one to addictions. I feel since meeting the counselor, I’ve had a positive look into myself and my gambling problem. He has made me understand that I’m not the only one who has this problem, but most importantly, how to cope and how to live without gambling.
It’s a process but I feel so much better. I believe that he has been a very good counselor. I feel he is a compassionate person who truly listens and gives me the assignments for me after our session to help me have a broader understanding to my problems.
I’m grateful for making the call to NMCPG and for them providing me with the counselor’s contact information. He has helped me to have a broader understanding of why I was gambling and how to live without gambling and finding other resources to do and start enjoying what’s around me more instead of being alone in a casino,” said anonymous patient on January 13, 2015.
Patient 4
“I sincerely feel that my NMCPG experience in attending Gamblers Help sessions has been greatly helpful in giving me the tools needed to fight my gambling addiction. The association with the other attendees listening to them tell about their problems and how they are fighting same [problem gambling], has been very useful in assisting me in my fight. I know I still have a long way to go and I intend to get to a successful conclusion. I would hate to see this program de-funded or changed in any way,” said anonymous patient in 2014.
Patient 5
“This is my second time here [NMCPG group therapy]. I am amazed that this meeting helped me so much in so little time. For the first time in my life I was able to realize that I was not alone.
I have somewhere to turn to. I have tried many times to resolve my gambling issues and have been unsuccessful. Since last class/meeting, I have reduced my gambling tremendously.
I am very excited for my future. For the first time I feel hope. I don’t know what I would do if this wasn’t available. I have so much more to learn,” wrote anonymous patient in 2014.
Patient 6
“I am writing you from the bottom of my heart for the chance you have given me for a better life. I want you to know how thankful I am for the financial help that you have given me to seek the therapy that I needed in my life to help me cope with my dysfunctional issues. You will never know how grateful I am. My therapy has really been helping me and it is something I really needed. Thank you again,” said anonymous patient in 2014.
Patient 7
“I am a professional person and have worked in education for over 40 years. My husband works extremely hard and I love him dearly. We have suffered through many family tragedies and I began to gamble as a means to escape.
He actually encouraged me as he thought I ‘needed to have fun with my friends’. While I was playing slots, he would be at the races. He would set a limit and never go over it, while I couldn’t stop until I lost all of my money.
One day, after losing, I walked back over to the horse races. While looking through his program I saw the 1-800 hotline number. I tore it out and saved it. After a few more losing trips and more guilt about my secret and how I was spending all my time, I called the number.
I was promptly put in touch with a local office and, even though I was ashamed and embarrassed, it felt wonderful to find a source of support. There was no judgment, only assistance. The opportunity was a godsend.
I feel empowered and in control as a result. I sincerely hope others benefit as I have,” wrote ‘A Very Thankful Client’”.
Patient 8
“The counseling I have had with the therapist has helped me out tremendously. This program has been very positive in my life. She has brought out things that I wasn’t aware of.
I have learned how to deal with my gambling problem. I realize many more things after speaking to the therapist. I understand the issues and I have found many solutions. I feel that talking to someone like her has opened my eyes in a positive manner.
People that have an addiction or problem can benefit from these counseling sessions. I am a changed person. I look at my life different now.
I care about myself, my family, and people around me. I do appreciate the help that I have received through this program and lucky to have had my counselor,” wrote anonymous patient.
Patient 9
“I have been gambling since the mid-90’s and have progressively gotten worse. The only thing I looked forward to everyday was getting to the casino. I would spend hours at a slot machine and not leave til I was completely out of money.
My home life is a mess. My family thinks I’m hopeless. I recently had an eviction notice on my house and had already spent my entire check and had no money for rent.
That was the last straw. I had picked up one of the cards with the hotline number on it at a casino. I decided to make the call.
The lady in Albuquerque gave me the number for the Sunland Park office. I was able to go there immediately. I spent over an hour talking to the lady there.
She set me up with a counselor the next day. She provided me with information and phone numbers for more help. I haven’t been to the casino since.
I am seeing the counselor once a week. I stop by the office instead of going to the casino. I feel like I have a chance to stop. I really want to.
I am glad I had the numbers to call. Thank you,” wrote anonymous patient on October 25, 2013.
Patient 10
“This letter is to thank you for the support that you have given me and for the counselor that was assigned to help me. When people are willing to help and they believe in you it is easier to accomplish what you need to do. It will be eight months, December 24, 2004 that I have not gambled.
It is not an easy task to get back on your feet. It is very difficult and you have to work on it. It took a lot of courage to admit that I have a gambling problem.
I promised not to lie to myself and to my counselor and that has helped me. I was in so much debt that I wouldn’t have been able to pay a counselor. NMCPG gave me a chance to change and I took it.
The counselor has helped me to change and grow in my life. I will never forget her. Thank you,” said a patient in 2013.
Patient 11
“The New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling Helpline saved my life, car, and house. I hit rock bottom after gambling three months worth of salary and my entire savings in one night. I became very depressed because I had gambled away my means of living and had no way out. I called the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling Helpline. They scheduled an intake interview for me on the same day, and they referred me to a counselor located close to me. I live in Gallup, New Mexico and location is important to me. My counselor used methods that allowed me to understand the problems and stressors that led me into a gambling addiction. My counselor has also been instrumental in providing me with tools that I use to identify my stressors and avert my gambling disability.”
“I would like to thank my counselor and the team from the New Mexico Council on Problem Gambling for saving my life, family, home, and car.” Wrote an Anonymous Patient March 7th, 2017