"Never Enough"

Former Compulsive Gambler Now Helps Others with Addictions at MDL
Written by
denise connelly
Reader Submitted

The Marshall District Library will host Michael J. Burke as he presents "Never Enough" Addiction Minefields: How Addictions Changed His Life, from 7-8:15 pm on Tuesday, September 13 in Meeting Room. Space is limited. MDL cardholders may register on August 30 and all others September 2. To register, pick up a FREE ticket at the library Information Desk.

Burke was a successful lawyer, loving husband and father, and respected member of the business community in Howell but was also a closet alcoholic and gambling addict, to the tune of $1.6 million of other people's trust funds, according to a HelpNet news release. He ended up spending three years in prison, starting in 2001.

Burk's story is told in the book "Never Enough: One Lawyer's True Story of How He Gambled His Career Away," published by the American Bar Association. He will not benefit from any of his book royalties until all his victims have been reimbursed. Speaking engagements have taken Burke across the nation as he tries to help others face their problems.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) funds the Neighborhood Service Organization Gambling Treatment Program and Help-Line. It is a statewide program for pathological gamblers and their families. Through this program, consumers needing assistance with problem and/or pathological gambling can receive a referral to a trained treatment provider. The Michigan Problem Gambling Help-Line, 1-800-270-7117 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week. For more information please visit www.nso-mi.org.