Trigger Warning: Story contains accounts of domestic abuse and suicide attempts. Andy Gallie became a gambler at just nine years old when he won his first slot machine jackpot. What started out as a “harmless” game of Donkey Kong (a slot machine found in UK arcades back in the 80s and 90s) quickly became a| The Phoenix Spirit
This issue, we talk with Hennepin Health's Valerie Gustafson, a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor about her journey from Peer Recovery Coach to LADC. Views expressed are of Valerie's and not of her employer. Can you share a bit about yourself and your role at Hennepin Health? I’m a person in long-term recovery (since 2008)| The Phoenix Spirit
Kathy had been doing well in her recovery from gambling addiction, having abstained for a dozen years with only occasional fleeting thoughts about gambling. But when a workplace assault created new trauma and awakened old feelings from previous traumatic experiences, she suddenly had unprecedented cravings to gamble, even devising a plan to travel far away| The Phoenix Spirit
“John” was doing well in his recovery from alcohol addiction. He hadn’t had a drink in eight months, was regularly attending AA and individual counseling, and was well supported in his recovery by family and friends. Several of John’s college buddies were planning a trip to Las Vegas and asked him if he wanted to| The Phoenix Spirit