A Blast From My Past. My Days Writing For InRecovery Magazine! A Special Interview With Arnie Wexler a Gambling Recovery Expert, Advocate, and Author.

…….
An Article I Wrote All About Arnie Wexler for and Courtesy InRecovery Magazine and An Amazing Book You Need to READ . . .

THE AUTHOR’S CAFÉ ~ By Catherine Townsend-Lyon, Columnist
InRecovery – June 30, 2017

 

Awhile back, the Powerball lottery drawing was for an ungodly amount of money and went a couple of rounds without a winner. I was chatting with a dear friend and fellow author, Arnie Wexler. I call him “The Grandfather of Gambling Addiction Recovery,” as his last bet in the mad world of sports betting and horse track betting was back in the 70s.

He’s never looked back. Instead, he has helped scores of people return from the abyss of gambling addiction. He co-wrote a book titled, All Bets Are Off: Losers, Liars, and Recovery from Gambling Addiction with veteran sports journalist, Steve Jacobson, in which he shares how his gambling addiction drove him and his wife, Sheila, to the edge of life.

….

“Steve Jacobson is what’s known in baseball and journalism as a seasoned pro, a man of credibility, conscience, and caring. Arnie Wexler? There’s a reason why for the last 35 years, he has been the news media’s go-to guy on issues of addicted gambling: He has saved at least as many souls, including his own, as Mother Teresa.”
– Phil Mushnick, Sports Columnist, New York Post

……

…..
An advocate of gambling addiction recovery like me, Arnie has shared his expert advice on various media outlets and as a speaker for Fortune 500 corporations. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programs, including Nightline, the Today Show, Good Morning America, Inside Edition, 48 Hours, Crossfire and Oprah.

He is the past executive director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey and is a certified compulsive gambling counselor and recovery coach. He and his wife set up the hotline 1-888-LAST-BET that continues to help addicted gamblers today. I’m happy to say he’s also a good friend and my #1 recovery supporter.

Now, back to our chat about the Powerball lottery. Arnie was telling me that many in his Gamblers Anonymous group (GA) either bought tickets for a chance to win or had others buy them tickets. I was also encountering this on my online GA meetings and gambling recovery chat rooms. We both agreed that either way the tickets were purchased, it was still gambling.

 

…….

.
….
See, Gamblers Anonymous defines gambling for the compulsive gambler as “Any betting or wagering, for self or others, whether or not for money, no matter how slight or insignificant, where the outcome is uncertain or depends upon chance or ‘skill’ constitutes gambling.”

According to this definition, all forms of risk or chance such as raffle tickets, scratch tickets and flipping a coin are considered gambling; though many people don’t like to include lottery tickets in the list.

Addiction is addiction no matter what your gambling preference. Arnie and I were brokenhearted as we heard about all the people in long-term recovery who had bought tickets. Even this seemly innocent purchase could be dangerous for gamblers; gambling addiction has one of the highest suicide rates among addictions.

What is your take on this? Do you think buying a lottery ticket constitutes gambling?

How about those who had someone else buy tickets for them? Is that gambling?

Should they lose their recovery time over a Powerball lottery drawing?

……
I know GA is not the only way to recover; many of us decided to have professional treatment including rehab, recovery coaching and even one-on-one therapy aimed at helping addicted gamblers. After doing some online research, however, I discovered that most recovery sites advocate GA’s guidelines for persons in recovery from gambling. This disease cost me way more than the year’s of wasted money, it almost cost me my life twice from suicide.

…..
Even though they were failed suicide attempts, 1 in every 5 problem gamblers will try suicide. Gambling addiction now affects 2.9% of our population as problems with gambling. AND? Gambling Addiction is now the #1 addiction claiming lives by SUICIDE over drugs and alcohol combined. By Suicide. Google it if you don’t believe this FACT.

Lastly and finally, the word about addicted gambling is getting out and is a hot discussion all over social media – but the way Arnie and I see it?

If a recovering gambler has someone else buy tickets for them, they gambled. Gambling is gambling.   www.aswexler.com

….

.

.
Arnie Wexler is one of the foremost experts on compulsive gambling in the country, who has spent the last 30 years helping other compulsive gamblers to recover. He’s a certified compulsive gambling counselor, and he was the Executive Director of the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey for eight years. Arnie has appeared on many of America’s top television shows, including Oprah, Nightline, and 48 Hours.

 

He’s been quoted and profiled in literally hundreds of magazines and newspapers. He presents workshops and training sessions internationally. He has spoken to many gaming industry executives, Fortune 500 companies, legislative bodies, and on college campuses across the nation.

Since 1994, both Arnie and his wife Sheila have trained hundreds of professionals working in addiction treatment centers, including Sierra Tucson and Betty Ford Center. In addition, they have provided extensive training to casino personnel, and have written responsible gaming policies for major gaming companies.

……
<><><><><>

 

  

Advertisement

New Recovery Book & Trailer Release By Author, Rev. Dr. Kevin T Coughlin “Addictions: The Drug Epidemic” . . .

Hello and Welcome Recovery Friends,

 

.

The new e-book release by Author, Rev. Dr. Kevin T Coughlin, PhD,. titled: Addictions: What All Parents Need to Know to Survive the Drug Epidemic . .  Now on Amazon Kindle only $3.99

 

I was given a pre-release copy of the e-book and can tell you this one should make Amazon Kindles’s Top 25 or higher. It is an excellent recovery read to gain more understanding about not only the drug epidemic parents need to worry about with their teens, but this book breaks down many topics about the cycle, helpful resources and more.

As the author states, the information in this new release has been used and read by many treatment and caring, passionate individuals working in the field of addiction and recovery.  It will even help those who have no knowledge about drugs or the disease. Kevin in Chapter 2 listed the current drugs that our teens and adults are becoming addicted and are taking too many precious lives. He gives an in-depth look into this epidemic and addiction like no other book I have read. It will also aid family to have more empathy and understanding about the support an addict needs to be successful in recovery
.

Like we say in the rooms of AA, GA and NA, “hate the addiction and disease NOT THE ADDICT”  . . . .

.

.

About The Book:

“Addictions: “What All Parents Need to Know to Survive the Drug Epidemic” is a must have for individuals, residential recovery programs, out-patient programs, professional recovery coaches, aftercare professionals, counselors, therapists, probation officers, ministries, recovery retreats, sponsors, sober companions, and family members to help them to get a deeper understanding of the disease of addiction, the solution to the problem, and the program of action that promotes change in the substance abuser. A Support system for family and friends of substance abusers that helps to provide clarity, understanding, education, prevention, and awareness.

“When I was seven years old, I accompanied my mother to many twelve-step recovery meetings and witnessed the miracle as it changed her life and mine. A few decades later the twelve-steps saved my life, my brother’s life, his wife’s life, my uncle’s life, and countless friend’s lives. After witnessing the power of the twelve-step process my family, friends, and I opened a twelve-step recovery program and retreat in The Poconos of Pennsylvania for adult men and women who suffer from addiction.”

Over the past two decades the thousands of miracles that I have witnessed, and lives saved are due to the twelve-step process. We found that this process was a spiritual program of action, based on spiritual principles. New Beginning Ministry in Beach Lake, PA. has been our labor of love, born out of addiction. You can find out more about New Beginning at New Beginning Ministry 

I felt it was my obligation to share what I have learned over the past 47 years about addiction, the solution to addiction, and the program of action that leads to long-term sobriety. The disease of addiction impacts the whole family and the community. I’ve witnessed the wreckage and the death from addiction. My goal is to educate, make families aware, and have prevention become a priority. I originally became clean and sober at a twelve-step retreat that was started by one of the Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, Bill W., it was at this retreat that I started to realize that I had a calling on my life to help other sick and suffering alcoholics and substance abusers.

After two decades of teaching on addiction recovery, spirituality, and the twelve-step process, and developing my skills as a professional writer, it only made sense to combine the two and share this life-saving information with a larger audience. My mom passed on five years ago with over forty years of sobriety, and today I celebrate nineteen years!

About The Author:

 

Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin PhD., Editor In Chief, Addicted Minds and Associates

My name is Rev. Dr. Kevin T. Coughlin, most call me Rev. Kev.  All that I have been, all that I am, and all that I ever will be is because of God’s grace. I am well-trained. I am an International Certified Master Addictions Coach, I specialize in Drug & Alcohol abuse addiction recovery & family recovery coach, gambling addiction, Life coaching, Christian Coaching, Case Management, Prevention & Relapse Prevention, Lama, Ethics, Spirituality, Sexual Addiction, Anger Management, Domestic Violence Advocacy, Interventionist & Life Recovery Coach, Licensed & Ordained Minister. I am a Founder & the Director of New Beginning Ministry, Inc., a residential addiction recovery program. Over the past 18+ years we have been blessed to help thousands of individuals and families to change their lives! Would you pray about becoming a prayer partner with our ministry to pray for the lost and all those in need and help support the ministry financially through tax-deductible donations?

I am often utilized as a consultant on addiction and recovery and considered an expert in the field. I have given thousands of workshops and lectures, training seminars, and retreats. I am the Program Director at The Addictions Academy. I am The President and CEO of Phase II Christian Coaching, LLC. I am a member in good standing in the AACC, ICCA, NAADAC, IAMMF, ECPG, NCPG,IAPWE and AACT. I am an internationally published poet and author, I am 9 time National Bench Press Champion and 2 time World Champion. I have been blessed to be awarded a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Counseling, Master’s Degree in Christian Counseling, and Doctorate Degrees PhD, DCC, DDVCA, DLC, DD, and am Board Certified by DIT IN CHRISTIAN COUNSELING. I am a Board Certified diplomat in Professional Pastoral Counselor and Clinical Christian Therapist. I am an Associate Professor at Dayspring Christian University …

“My dream is to share my knowledge with as many individuals as I can during my lifetime, building an army of spiritual addiction recovery professionals who can help save lives. It doesn’t matter if you are reading my new book for yourself, a family member, or a dear friend; the information contained within the pages here can be life changing. I know that recovery from addiction changed and saved my life!”

Please visit Kevin’s Rev. Kevin Coughlin – Amazon Author Page for a list of all his books. You can also connect with Kevin on Goodreads Author on Goodreads.
His Website: WELCOME TO REV KEV’S RECOVERY WORLD
Follow him on Twitter: @new_beginning1

4 Times to Be Brutally Honest with Yourself By: Aleksandre McMenamin.

Hello and Welcome Recovery Friends,

 

Today I have a wonderful new guest author who has an important article we all can learn from. I enjoy having many guest author’s here on my blog to share what topics are important to them in living a well-balanced recovery life. So todays guest author is Aleksandre McMenamin.
I hope we all learn something new we can use in our own recovery journey …

 

.
We, as human beings, have a strong tendency to see what is wrong in other people’s lives. However, when it comes to our own, such intuition often fails us. A vast amount of people on this planet live day-to-day being dishonest with themselves, and are failing to correct problems their lives as a result of it. This is why it is often important that we take a stance of brutal honesty when looking at the issues in our lives. Besides, if you can’t be honest with ourselves, then we’re really just living a lie…

Struggling with addiction

It can be incredibly difficult to approach your addiction with a degree of self-honesty. This is because addiction is a mental disease that makes self-introspection quite challenging. However, that only makes such brutal honesty even more important. You won’t be able to get the best from treatment unless you are honest with yourself and others. And if you can’t admit to yourself, honestly, that you are suffering from addiction and need help, how can you ever expect to fight it and get better? Being honest in these difficult times will help you keep your loved ones close, instead of pushing them away. For more information about honesty and addiction, check out this incredibly useful blog post here.

.

Failing relationships

Whether you are in a long-time marriage with someone, or you have just been dating for a good while, honesty with yourself and your partner is the most important bedrock of any wonderful relationship. This includes being brutally honest in times when the relationship is less than satisfactory. Is it not working? Is it not going anywhere? These are questions that you need to have answered for the sake of both you and your partner. Failing to be honest and deal with these issues head on is likely only going to make the situation get worse as more time passes, and that isn’t good for anybody! This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to cut off a relationship with somebody you love to be honest with yourself, but usually something definitely has to change for it to keep working.

Your job isn’t working

The time that we spend at work makes up a considerable amount of time in our lives. Many people spend well over half of their waking hours at a job. For this reason, it’s incredibly important to be honest with yourself about how you feel about the place where you work. Life is too short to be stuck in a dead-end job that you will hate for hours on end. Continuing to live like this will only bring you great unhappiness in all aspects of your life (not just work). This is neither good for you, nor that place where you work. So why continue to work at a place if you are terribly unhappy there? How can you expect anything to get better if you don’t admit to yourself that this isn’t the place for you? If your finances can allow it, you need to be honest with yourself and make a change.

.

Poor personal health

The body and health that many people have usually doesn’t exactly align with the body and health that they want. This doesn’t mean that most people aren’t healthy or decent lifestyles, but they may be setting expectations for themselves that they aren’t truly working at meeting. This can lead to a path of self loathing for no good reason, at all. Do you keep telling yourself that you are eating healthy and have a great workout schedule, only to consistently cheat at both of them?

This is a slippery slope to making more and more unhealthy decisions that will make you feel worse about yourself. It’s important to be honest about your expectations with yourself and whether you are really working towards them. Why keep expecting yourself to do these things if you don’t really want to commit? There’s nothing wrong with wanting to eat the extra cake, but at least be honest with yourself so you don’t feel as though you are lying about it. This will lead a much happier lifestyle, overall …

.

Catherine Townsend-Lyon, Author and Recovery Advocate
“Addicted To Dimes”

( click to purchase on Amazon )

A Recovering Gamblers Thoughts & Ramblings . . .

“If you want recovery bad enough? Then you have to work it. It’s just that SIMPLE!”

.

.

Many readers ask me this question all the time, “how does one make that first year in recovery?”
I tell them the very same answer I tell everyone who maybe struggling in recovery, you have to do the work in order to grasp a foothold in early recovery …

.

Yes, it is hard to look within ourselves in early treatment and pick out all the character defects, bad habits and behaviors we pick up in addiction, but know this, you can work through those defects to turn your life around for the better! I did it, and I know you can too! You can make the choice today to take your life back from the cycle of addiction. With some support, encouragement, and hard work anyone can ….
.

Just believe in a power greater than yourself to restore you .. .. ..

 

Catherine Townsend-Lyon, Author & Recovery Advocate

 
( click to purchase on Amazon )