My first girlfriend since ChickMagic's death - but what a mess

[BrotherIvan]

21. The first rule they teach in lifeguard class is not to grab a drowning person

They will drag you down underwater and kill you both. Unfortunately, I have dealt with the addiction of gambling with a friend who nearly bankrupted me by stealing through credit cards and my bank account while I was out of the country. He was a great friend, but gambling made him a thief and a liar. The saddest part was he could not afford to lose, and like your friend was nearly homeless. The only thing that made him change, not even gambler's anonymous, was when he started making his own money and he didn't want to lose it.

It's rough and you seem very kind-hearted, but if she is in the throes of her addiction, she might have done things to hurt you. So I am glad you were strong enough not to get sucked into it. I really hope she finds a way out of her struggles, but it often seems as if the only person who can help an addict is herself.