Sarah's Story

To the woman [counsellor] who saved me from myself. We met a few years ago to help control my gambling on pokie machines.

You put up with my timetable, my many issues that arose consistently, all without judgement and having my best interests at heart.

I said that I wanted to keep gambling and learn to control my gambling. You knew very well that this wasn't going to happen. Yet you continued to support me, until I finally came to that conclusion myself. 

You have been there for me through thick and thin, with my worst time spending a lot of money in a month.

You did a lot of research for me to help me, my friends and the many issues that arose for me throughout the terms of counselling.

Thank you so so so much, words cannot express my gratitude for all of your support. Thanks to you, being you – non-judgemental and having my best interests at heart. I have had 9 months off from playing the machines. Who would have guessed! 

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*All names in this story have been changed. Stock photography is used in all Oasis Stories of Change.

Individuals have provided consent for their stories to be shared.

Oasis would like to acknowledge and thank participants for having the courage to share their personal journeys here. We recognise that their recovery journeys are still continuing and we sincerely wish them all the best that life has to offer.