‘Compulsive gambling destroys lives’
Niall McNamee, speaking to students on the problems of gambling.
STUDENTS at South West College, Omagh this week heard how compulsive gambling can utterly devastate lives.
In a powerful testimony to students, Offaly GAA player Niall McNamee told how gambling was not only destroying his own life but also devastating his family and those closest to him.
The event was organised by Tyrone and Greencastle Ladies star Eimear Teague GAA who facilitates the Sports course at the college.
She explained, “Part of the course is a module called ‘health promotion’ and issues that arose included mental health issues, alcohol and drug misuse and it briefly came up about gambling.
“We carried out a survey in the college and it was evident 68 per cent knew somebody they felt they had a gambling addiction.
The students also put together a promotional DVD on the topic.” Admiration The audience at the South West College expressed their admiration for the honesty and courage Niall showed in carrying the message that gambling can destroy lives.
He also spoke of hope and help, for the compulsive gambler.
Today he stays abstinent with the help of a support group, people who have been through the same experiences and with whom he can find identification and a shared strength.
Niall also emphasised that although he has not gambled since November 2011, every day he renews his commitment to staying abstinent – one day at a time – as he is still a compulsive gambler and “not cured.”
He added, “I am very passionate about this and have a very fulfilling life. There is plenty of help out there. I have a close group I can ring every day.
There are support groups for compulsive gamblers all over the country.” - See more at: http://ulsterherald.com/2014/05/30/compulsive-gambling-destroys-lives/#sthash.Ykak4VaQ.dpuf
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