WINNERS' CIRCLE - Kathie P.

I got some scratch-off lottery tickets for my birthday a couple years ago. I'd never played them before, and I won almost $500! I couldn't believe how easy it was. So of course, I bought several more after I redeemed my winning ticket. I'd buy a few tickets at the gas station, a few at the grocery store. I tried mixing it up with different games to increase my chances. I won a few dollars here and there, but nothing big. Meanwhile, lottery tickets were taking up more and more of our income.

I don't think anyone - including me - knew what a big problem it was becoming until several months later, when I found myself buying lottery tickets with my credit card. That was when it really hit. I could have lost everything we've worked for - over
lottery tickets.

After a long talk with my husband, I called the gambling help line (it's 1-800-270-7117, and if you're a Michigan resident, you can call 24 hours a day, seven days a week) and found the location of a Gamblers Anonymous group in my area. The people were great, and it was a relief to know that I'm not the only one who has problems with gambling.

It's still tough sometimes, like at the gas station, but I've managed not to buy any lottery tickets for almost a year. I'm pretty proud of that, and best of all, I have my life back.