Dear Friend,
My name is Gisele and this letter is my message to you if your are struggling with an addiction to Vlts, Slot machines or Online Gambling,
I’m speaking to you as someone who has been exactly where you are. For over ten years, I was caught in the grip of VLTs and slot machines, trapped in a cycle I couldn’t break. But I survived and I’m here to share that there is hope. You are not alone, and most importantly—you are not the one who is sick.
These electronic gambling games are built to make you addicted. They use sophisticated programming that manipulates your brain into chasing wins and staying in the game longer than you intended. This is not your fault, nor is it a reflection of personal weakness. It’s a carefully crafted trap designed to keep you playing until your money, time, and peace of mind are all gone.
The first step I took to escape this trap is what I call MACHINE AWARENESS. Through years of research and personal experience, I realized that the games themselves—whether VLTs, slot machines, or online platforms—are the root cause of the addiction. The addiction didn't start because of a flaw within me or within you. It happened because these games were designed to cause addiction, and anyone who plays regularly falls into that trap. You weren’t born with this addiction; it developed because of repeated exposure to these games.
The second step of my recovery is what I call SELF-AWARENESS. This step was about understanding why I turned to these machines in the first place. For me, it was feelings of loneliness, sadness, and stress. Maybe you’ve experienced something similar. Recognizing those feelings and understanding how they led me to the machines was key to reclaiming my life.
One important thing I want to mention is that not all counselors or treatment programs have your best interests at heart. Many are funded by the very industry that profits from your losses. This means they may not always provide you with the full truth or the most effective support. I encourage you to seek help from someone who is not funded by gambling losses—someone who will guide you with complete honesty and without a conflict of interest.
In my book, DISMISSED, I share more about my journey, my research, and how I was able to break free from this cycle. My goal in sharing my story is to help you understand that you, too, can overcome this addiction and reclaim your life. It took me years to break free, but I truly believe that by knowing what I’ve learned, your path to healing can be faster and less painful.
Please know that you are worthy of healing. This addiction is not a reflection of who you are as a person. It’s a product of the games, not of you. By taking these two steps—MACHINE AWARENESS and SELF-AWARENESS—you can begin to break free from this cycle and find a life of peace and fulfillment. There is help. There is hope. And there is a future for you beyond these highly addictive gambling games.
With all my heart,
Gisele J.
Alberta, Canada
P.S. To learn how to get my book DISMISSED for FREE, email me at giselej@shaw.ca
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