Of course, you have to play a lot to start winning, and before long, I was at the casino almost every night. I'd go after work and stay until all my money was gone, sometimes until 2 or 3 am.

Pretty soon, I started slipping at work; my family said I seemed withdrawn. I no longer had the time (or money) for much of a social life. Even worse, I just didn't feel like myself. All the things I used to love were going by the wayside to make room for gambling.

So I made a decision. These days, I only go to the casino with friends. I leave my credit cards at home, and take a set amount of cash. When it's gone, I'm done. The dealers don't recognize me anymore, but that's okay — I do.