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Addicted to Dimes
Summary : How does a good girl go bad?
ased on a true story, told in the author's own words, without polish or prose, this haunting tale of addiction, family secrets, abuse, sexual misconduct, destruction, crime, redemption and.... recovery!
One day at a time, one page at a time.
Learn of this remarkable and brave story.
ased on a true story, told in the author's own words, without polish or prose, this haunting tale of addiction, family secrets, abuse, sexual misconduct, destruction, crime, redemption and.... recovery!
One day at a time, one page at a time.
Learn of this remarkable and brave story.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 2, 2012
8 people are currently reading
308 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Townsend-Lyon
4 books112 followersCatherine Townsend-Lyon is an influential writer and a dedicated advocate for recovery from gambling addiction and has maintained her recovery lifestyle for over 17 years.
She is the bestselling author of her memoir, "Addicted to Dimes: Confessions of a Gambling Addict," released on her 50th birthday in November 2013. In addition, she is a co-author and contributor to a follow-up book titled "Ten the Hard Way," which was released in 2017. This book shares powerful recovery stories from others in the community. Both books are available for purchase on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Catherine tirelessly raises awareness and educates the public about the darker aspects of gambling. She shares her story through various platforms, including radio shows, podcasts, and speaking engagements. She has been featured in several publications, such as "Time," Natuilas.us, and "Recovery Today," as well as news media outlets like MSNBC, CNN iReport, and CBS. Catherine is a former contributing columnist for "Keys to Recovery Newspaper."
Today, Catherine continues to share her recovery journey and provide helpful resources as she mentors many individuals who reach out for help, emphasizing that no one is alone in their struggle with gambling addiction and that they need not suffer in silence.
Catherine resides in Glendale/Phoenix, Arizona, USA, with her husband of 35 years and their furry two cats. Originally from New Jersey and Southern Oregon, she has made Arizona her home.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 20, 2016
Addicted to Dimes was a very real and painful history of what it is like to lose yourself to an addiction. The hard road through recovery and finding out what caused her to be broken in the first place. I felt sad for the criticized daughter that had lost her self worth. The story is not a chance to blame other people for the addiction but a chance to explain that all of the internal and outer conflicts worked together to cause what she called the perfect storm.
Catherine is quick to offer helpful advice to those suffering from this type of addiction or any addiction at all.
I felt for Catherine and Tom, for their marriage that struggled during this time and for the strength they had to work through it.
The writing was obviously painful to rehash the history that led to the bad decisions and the hurtful deterioration of her family life. It is a brave thing to put this out there for strangers to read and hopefully not judge too harshly her honesty.
I give the writing a 5 star rating because the story does draw you in and allows you into the most private moments and feelings of a dysfunctional family and the lasting effects of that past. I am glad that when Catherine wrote this she was in a stable part of her recovery and is an outgoing champion for others that are on the road to recovery.
Catherine is quick to offer helpful advice to those suffering from this type of addiction or any addiction at all.
I felt for Catherine and Tom, for their marriage that struggled during this time and for the strength they had to work through it.
The writing was obviously painful to rehash the history that led to the bad decisions and the hurtful deterioration of her family life. It is a brave thing to put this out there for strangers to read and hopefully not judge too harshly her honesty.
I give the writing a 5 star rating because the story does draw you in and allows you into the most private moments and feelings of a dysfunctional family and the lasting effects of that past. I am glad that when Catherine wrote this she was in a stable part of her recovery and is an outgoing champion for others that are on the road to recovery.
July 24, 2014
Great emotional page turner. I could relate to her disease of gambling through my own addiction. Pick your poison- addiction is addiction. Catherine went through a brutal hell as a child at the hands of her twisted parents. She wins the battle by coming out on top and after a destructive bout of compulsive gambling, she finally wins the jackpot of abstinence from "the machine".
December 15, 2014
Author in recovery some eight years now, tells her story of self-destruction having once fallen down the rabbit hole of gambling addiction. She shares her successes in recovery with her book having now crawled out of that deep, dark, tumble of despair which surely could have destroyed her and her marriage completely. In a way, it's also a love story.
Please meet the little girl who grew into a demon and then found her way again into the light.
Her wish is to have a candid conversation with you by sharing her experiences and does exactly that within the pages of her exquisitely titled, Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat).
She is not a skilled novelist which is refreshing because she can speak her truths with unvarnished candor, pulling back the veil of this insidious disease. She definitely has a story to tell. If you know anyone who lives with addictions, please consider presenting this book as a gift of love and a quiet, unheralded intervention.
Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat)
Catherine Townsend-Lyon
A kind review on Amazon & Goodreads are encouraged & will likely save a life, a family, a friend.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY - This haunting tale of addiction, told in her own unbridled words, without polish or prose, serves as a raw, unedited reminder of her personal journey from darkness to light. Brave be the person who faces their demons, let alone reveals them to the world. Steve William Laible, MBA, Publisher
Available on Amazon.com; BN.com (Barnes & Noble) or your favorite bookstore.
YOU CAN HELP THIS HOMELESS AUTHOR BY CLICKING ON THE LINK and ALSO posting on her blog.
http://www.youcaring.com/Help-a-Neigh...
Please meet the little girl who grew into a demon and then found her way again into the light.
Her wish is to have a candid conversation with you by sharing her experiences and does exactly that within the pages of her exquisitely titled, Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat).
She is not a skilled novelist which is refreshing because she can speak her truths with unvarnished candor, pulling back the veil of this insidious disease. She definitely has a story to tell. If you know anyone who lives with addictions, please consider presenting this book as a gift of love and a quiet, unheralded intervention.
Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat)
Catherine Townsend-Lyon
A kind review on Amazon & Goodreads are encouraged & will likely save a life, a family, a friend.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY - This haunting tale of addiction, told in her own unbridled words, without polish or prose, serves as a raw, unedited reminder of her personal journey from darkness to light. Brave be the person who faces their demons, let alone reveals them to the world. Steve William Laible, MBA, Publisher
Available on Amazon.com; BN.com (Barnes & Noble) or your favorite bookstore.
YOU CAN HELP THIS HOMELESS AUTHOR BY CLICKING ON THE LINK and ALSO posting on her blog.
http://www.youcaring.com/Help-a-Neigh...
June 1, 2013
If you've ever wondered is a gambling addiction the same as all the others? This book removes all doubts. Catherine Townsend-Lyon writes in a simplistic and powerful fashion. She describes the thinking and behavior which led her to grow progressively sicker over the years. It's clear that gambling is not the only problem gamblers face. The real problem is feelings, or the avoidance of them, especially, the uncomfortable ones. It is easy to see how rationalizing, blaming, self-pity,and dishonest thinking, play such a large role in the mind of an addict. Her words are to the point. Her vulnerability is to be admired. I really enjoyed this read and could relate to it. If you, or anyone you love, suffer from addiction this book is for you. Any reader would be inspired by Catherine's honesty and ability to overcome her obstacles and be a better person for it. Well done Catherine!Catherine Townsend-Lyon
November 22, 2013
Catherine Townsend-Lyon writes boldly, honestly, and with transparency about her years of addiction to gambling.
She writes bold... when she shares about her serial dating.
She writes honestly...when she shares about family members.
She writes with transparency... her many failures at recovery.
She writes in 'Addicted to Dimes' that her addiction was so turbulent she wanted to die, and was on suicide watch in a hospital, more than one time.
She explains that gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide.
You must read Catherine Townsend-Lyon's true testimony if you suffer from gambling addiction.
She states there is hope and recovery. After reading her words you will understand the triggers and urges of this addiction. She includes for the reader gambling self-help tools and shares skills that helped her conquer the addiction. Thank you Catherine Townsend-Lyon for tackling a topic, most are too shameful to admit.
Kail Harbick
Rainbow, Oregon
She writes bold... when she shares about her serial dating.
She writes honestly...when she shares about family members.
She writes with transparency... her many failures at recovery.
She writes in 'Addicted to Dimes' that her addiction was so turbulent she wanted to die, and was on suicide watch in a hospital, more than one time.
She explains that gambling addiction has the highest rate of suicide.
You must read Catherine Townsend-Lyon's true testimony if you suffer from gambling addiction.
She states there is hope and recovery. After reading her words you will understand the triggers and urges of this addiction. She includes for the reader gambling self-help tools and shares skills that helped her conquer the addiction. Thank you Catherine Townsend-Lyon for tackling a topic, most are too shameful to admit.
Kail Harbick
Rainbow, Oregon
June 4, 2013
This is a very gritty story about real life and the struggles we are sometimes forced to fight through. Life is not simple and it can become very easy to get caught up in something, even addicted to them, and Addicted to Dimes is the most honest and true piece of work I've ever read. It takes a lot of courage to admit you have a problem, and even more courage to write about them.
Cathy's journey through her addiction is spelled out so eloquently and can easily be applied to any obsessions someone may have. The depths she went to in an attempt to pull the curtains back and express her real story are so impactful and touching. The struggles and torment addictions can cause do not affect just you, they affect everyone around you, and Cathy's story really depicts this. She does a fantastic job of bringing us all the way from the beginnings of the problem, the exacerbation of it, and all the way through acknowledgment and treatments, which is a powerful guide for life.
I honestly suggest this read for everyone, whether you are struggling with some sort of compulsion or not. It has had an emotional impact on me and I know it can for you too. Certainly a MUST READ!
Jeremy Shory
Author of The Orion Chronicles: The Journal of Forgotten Secrets
Cathy's journey through her addiction is spelled out so eloquently and can easily be applied to any obsessions someone may have. The depths she went to in an attempt to pull the curtains back and express her real story are so impactful and touching. The struggles and torment addictions can cause do not affect just you, they affect everyone around you, and Cathy's story really depicts this. She does a fantastic job of bringing us all the way from the beginnings of the problem, the exacerbation of it, and all the way through acknowledgment and treatments, which is a powerful guide for life.
I honestly suggest this read for everyone, whether you are struggling with some sort of compulsion or not. It has had an emotional impact on me and I know it can for you too. Certainly a MUST READ!
Jeremy Shory
Author of The Orion Chronicles: The Journal of Forgotten Secrets
November 28, 2016
Blunt Real Raw Real Life
I must admit that I haven't read anything like this before; that someone's life can plummet so out of control and how it affects others around them. Indeed as the book went on I felt as I was plummeting with the author as well.
I think it must take a lot of guts to come clean like this, especially as the work took a year in the making. Maybe it was a cathartic healing process for the writer.
Some things I read here made me gasp and stop reading to absorb what gambling addiction does. Catherine Townsend-Lyon recalls her actions and the actions of those around her vividly in great detail. I am sure that anyone with such an addiction will benefit from reading it. Maybe better than a series of group sessions!
It certainly makes me value what I have in my life and not to take anything for granted.
An inspiring read.
I must admit that I haven't read anything like this before; that someone's life can plummet so out of control and how it affects others around them. Indeed as the book went on I felt as I was plummeting with the author as well.
I think it must take a lot of guts to come clean like this, especially as the work took a year in the making. Maybe it was a cathartic healing process for the writer.
Some things I read here made me gasp and stop reading to absorb what gambling addiction does. Catherine Townsend-Lyon recalls her actions and the actions of those around her vividly in great detail. I am sure that anyone with such an addiction will benefit from reading it. Maybe better than a series of group sessions!
It certainly makes me value what I have in my life and not to take anything for granted.
An inspiring read.
September 16, 2014
Hemingway is right: “There is nothing to writing. All you do is sit down at a typewriter and bleed.” And bleed she does. Catherine Townsend-Lyon writes her story honestly and boldly. Her purpose is to share her story so others may benefit. Her story resonates with the reader even if the reader doesn’t have an addiction problem. Because of my reading Addicted to Dimes, I am contacting my daughter who chooses not to have family contact. I want her to know that she is loved. Catherine’s story validates the importance of love and acceptance that we all need.
Sharon L. Hicks, author
How Do You Grab a Naked Lady?
memoir
Sharon L. Hicks, author
How Do You Grab a Naked Lady?
memoir
January 15, 2016
An excellent Memoir Book and Story of gambling addiction that we don't really hear much about. I know addiction is addiction no matter the type, but the authors words give an in-depth look at what it is, and how it cost her more than money. It almost cost her life by Suicide twice. A great to give if you know someone who has a gambling problem. And she writes about how she learned some of the underlying issues that made her turn to gambling addiction.
Great book I highly suggest to all readers.
Great book I highly suggest to all readers.
Read
November 17, 2016Good honest stuff! We need more stuff like this -- more people telling it like it was and also telling it like it IS after getting free. To me, this author is helping. She offers hope for people hurting in a very broken world. Her sharing is the exact opposite of "looking-goodism" in which I spent so many years in bondage, well-defended by walls as thick as Jericho. This book proves that victory is possible, no matter how deep the darkness. And I say that's a good thing!
January 13, 2017
A genuine story that will be helpful for addicts and their family and friends.
Definitely recommended if you think you have a gambling addiction.
Definitely recommended if you think you have a gambling addiction.
January 29, 2020
This is a very well-written, informative book. I like the way the author tells it in such a personal way. Her struggle becomes real to the reader, not just statistics. I highly recommend this book.
October 22, 2013
10/20/2013....New Update..ANOTHER 5 Star Review on Amazon for my Book!
WOW....Another 5 STAR Review of my Book "Addicted To Dimes"(Confessions of a Liar & A Cheat).....*I'm HUMBLED to be able to SHARE HOPE with others in or Reaching out for Recovery! And I Thank & LUV my Readers!
"Heartfelt and Honest., October 19, 2013
By brittany - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat) (Paperback)"
"As a person in Recovery, I find reads like this to be refreshing and inspiring. Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon did not hold anything back in this transparent account of her personal journey, as she shares her life & experiences that led to her addiction.
She allowed herself to illuminate the good, the bad and the in between- and it really helped me to connect with her on a personal level. We are all just humans on a journey- we all experience hardships, struggles and some dysfunction to varying degrees. Her account is told with sincerity and I commend her bravery and willingness to share her story with the world. Great book for people in recovery, or families trying to understand addiction."
*Note From Author*
Brittany,
Thank you very much for taking the time to not only Read my book, but for also taking time to go back to Amazon and leave a REVIEW! I'm Humbled and Appreciate my Readers! You really understood why I wrote my book! God Bless, *Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon*
*Another Review*
This book is for anyone who may be, or know someone with a gambling addiction, or problem gambler. It gives the reader an actual inside look at the "Ugly" and destructive nature of this disease/addiction. Compulsive addicted gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions today.
It knows no bounds or limits on who it destroys. One of the reasons it is a growing problem is the "Explosion" of State Lotteries growing,TO MANY Indian reservation legal gambling casinos, and it's effecting & touching our Youth as well.
Out of the 16 million problem gamblers in the US, and climbing each year, HALF of those are now teens and young college students. For them they see it being "Glamourized" in the Movies, and in Popular card games like "Blackjack & Texas Hold'em" So now parents have to deal with not only having "THE TALK" to their teens about the DANGERS of Drugs and Booze, they also have to warn their young adults about the dangers of becoming addicted to gambling as well....
Here is a Fair and Balanced Review of my book "Addicted To Dimes" by Author & Novelist" Michael Grant.....
Book Review for Addicted to Dimes http://askrecoveryrob.com
I happened to read & review Addicted to Dimes, (Confessions of a Liar and Cheat)and I have a few confessions of my own before though.
My first confession is that I love to read, especially autobiographies about addiction. My second confession is that I’ve never read anything about a gambling addiction. My third and final confession is that one of my favorite movies of all time is The Lady Gambles with Barbara Stanwyck.
Here’s my review.
Catherine Townsend-Lyon’s first outing is a wonderful, heartfelt, raw, and at times emotional read. The 200+ page autobiography is gritty, from the heart and spans more than forty years of Catherine’s life. The writing is simplistic in its style as the author works though the struggles of her gambling addiction. The chapters are long but there are many sub-chapters which is another reason this book is difficult to put down.
There were times where I flinched from her brutal honesty of her addiction, her dysfunctional family, and her addiction behaviors even when not gambling, but responding to financial pressures. The perceived book’s promise of restorations falls short though, but that’s what addiction is. We don’t always get everything we want when we stop using alcohol, drugs, and in the case gambling. Catherine and her husband still struggle financially due to her addictive gambling behavior, but she handles those problems with a new set of tools today.
What I would have enjoyed reading were some of the journals from 1999 to present day while Catherine was in treatment. She describes them as ‘dark,’ and that’s where my curiosity goes. Catherine also writes how she cannot describe her emotions around episodes, and I think her journals would have given us that unique insight.
So, in short, I really liked this autobiography. Although I don’t have a gambling addiction, I am an addict who hopefully offers useful addiction advice. I see the similar behaviors in myself when I was using and even when I stopped and wasn’t using the tools to remain safe from my addiction. I would suffer needlessly, as has Catherine.
I suggest the read.
WOW....Another 5 STAR Review of my Book "Addicted To Dimes"(Confessions of a Liar & A Cheat).....*I'm HUMBLED to be able to SHARE HOPE with others in or Reaching out for Recovery! And I Thank & LUV my Readers!
"Heartfelt and Honest., October 19, 2013
By brittany - See all my reviewsThis review is from: Addicted to Dimes (Confessions of a Liar and a Cheat) (Paperback)"
"As a person in Recovery, I find reads like this to be refreshing and inspiring. Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon did not hold anything back in this transparent account of her personal journey, as she shares her life & experiences that led to her addiction.
She allowed herself to illuminate the good, the bad and the in between- and it really helped me to connect with her on a personal level. We are all just humans on a journey- we all experience hardships, struggles and some dysfunction to varying degrees. Her account is told with sincerity and I commend her bravery and willingness to share her story with the world. Great book for people in recovery, or families trying to understand addiction."
*Note From Author*
Brittany,
Thank you very much for taking the time to not only Read my book, but for also taking time to go back to Amazon and leave a REVIEW! I'm Humbled and Appreciate my Readers! You really understood why I wrote my book! God Bless, *Author Catherine Townsend-Lyon*
*Another Review*
This book is for anyone who may be, or know someone with a gambling addiction, or problem gambler. It gives the reader an actual inside look at the "Ugly" and destructive nature of this disease/addiction. Compulsive addicted gambling is one of the fastest growing addictions today.
It knows no bounds or limits on who it destroys. One of the reasons it is a growing problem is the "Explosion" of State Lotteries growing,TO MANY Indian reservation legal gambling casinos, and it's effecting & touching our Youth as well.
Out of the 16 million problem gamblers in the US, and climbing each year, HALF of those are now teens and young college students. For them they see it being "Glamourized" in the Movies, and in Popular card games like "Blackjack & Texas Hold'em" So now parents have to deal with not only having "THE TALK" to their teens about the DANGERS of Drugs and Booze, they also have to warn their young adults about the dangers of becoming addicted to gambling as well....
Here is a Fair and Balanced Review of my book "Addicted To Dimes" by Author & Novelist" Michael Grant.....
Book Review for Addicted to Dimes http://askrecoveryrob.com
I happened to read & review Addicted to Dimes, (Confessions of a Liar and Cheat)and I have a few confessions of my own before though.
My first confession is that I love to read, especially autobiographies about addiction. My second confession is that I’ve never read anything about a gambling addiction. My third and final confession is that one of my favorite movies of all time is The Lady Gambles with Barbara Stanwyck.
Here’s my review.
Catherine Townsend-Lyon’s first outing is a wonderful, heartfelt, raw, and at times emotional read. The 200+ page autobiography is gritty, from the heart and spans more than forty years of Catherine’s life. The writing is simplistic in its style as the author works though the struggles of her gambling addiction. The chapters are long but there are many sub-chapters which is another reason this book is difficult to put down.
There were times where I flinched from her brutal honesty of her addiction, her dysfunctional family, and her addiction behaviors even when not gambling, but responding to financial pressures. The perceived book’s promise of restorations falls short though, but that’s what addiction is. We don’t always get everything we want when we stop using alcohol, drugs, and in the case gambling. Catherine and her husband still struggle financially due to her addictive gambling behavior, but she handles those problems with a new set of tools today.
What I would have enjoyed reading were some of the journals from 1999 to present day while Catherine was in treatment. She describes them as ‘dark,’ and that’s where my curiosity goes. Catherine also writes how she cannot describe her emotions around episodes, and I think her journals would have given us that unique insight.
So, in short, I really liked this autobiography. Although I don’t have a gambling addiction, I am an addict who hopefully offers useful addiction advice. I see the similar behaviors in myself when I was using and even when I stopped and wasn’t using the tools to remain safe from my addiction. I would suffer needlessly, as has Catherine.
I suggest the read.
April 9, 2017
Addicted to Dimes is the poignant story of a young women who emerged from a childhood that contained sexual abuse and frequent criticism to seek help in the wrong place—gambling.
Money conveys status, and it’s easy to see how someone who is unsure of their own worth could be sucked in. And our society makes it so easy—native gambling casinos, lotteries, Keno, bingo—it’s all over the place. The gambling machines are usually conveniently located near ATMs.
The author tells of a life that spiraled out of control—embezzlement, arrest, accepting that she was a liar and a cheat rather than give up gambling. And how she finally turned it all around and gave up her compulsive behavior—even though she still had to face all the same triggers as before, with the added burden of constant financial worry as she and her husband tried to pay back all they now owed.
All in all, a compelling story of how a behavior can act on your system like a drug, including early warning signs. I give it four stars.
Money conveys status, and it’s easy to see how someone who is unsure of their own worth could be sucked in. And our society makes it so easy—native gambling casinos, lotteries, Keno, bingo—it’s all over the place. The gambling machines are usually conveniently located near ATMs.
The author tells of a life that spiraled out of control—embezzlement, arrest, accepting that she was a liar and a cheat rather than give up gambling. And how she finally turned it all around and gave up her compulsive behavior—even though she still had to face all the same triggers as before, with the added burden of constant financial worry as she and her husband tried to pay back all they now owed.
All in all, a compelling story of how a behavior can act on your system like a drug, including early warning signs. I give it four stars.
June 17, 2014
Excellent Read!
What a journey Catherine has been on. A wonderful read to learn how addicted gambling can turn very dangerous. Her writing style is unique in a way that she takes her readers through her life as if your both are just sitting in a coffee shop and her telling you here story, and about her life. What pain and agony she has been through with addicted gambling, childhood trauma, that led to some mental health challenges for Catherine, but more amazing is how she has helped many with this cunning addiction, support others with these same issues that have touched he life.
I truly hope she has a follow up book to her Memoir, as she sets the example on how to do recovery right! And has a lot of good information for all that she shares through her book, and on her recovery blog as well! http://catherinelyonaddictedtodimes.w...
Besides being in recovery, Catherine is also fantastic writer and blogger. She dabbles in Book & Media marketing, and has done a great job for ME with my own book! It's why I hired her. And it's why I gave her book a 5 Stars!
Happiness,
Author Agathe von Kampen
What a journey Catherine has been on. A wonderful read to learn how addicted gambling can turn very dangerous. Her writing style is unique in a way that she takes her readers through her life as if your both are just sitting in a coffee shop and her telling you here story, and about her life. What pain and agony she has been through with addicted gambling, childhood trauma, that led to some mental health challenges for Catherine, but more amazing is how she has helped many with this cunning addiction, support others with these same issues that have touched he life.
I truly hope she has a follow up book to her Memoir, as she sets the example on how to do recovery right! And has a lot of good information for all that she shares through her book, and on her recovery blog as well! http://catherinelyonaddictedtodimes.w...
Besides being in recovery, Catherine is also fantastic writer and blogger. She dabbles in Book & Media marketing, and has done a great job for ME with my own book! It's why I hired her. And it's why I gave her book a 5 Stars!
Happiness,
Author Agathe von Kampen
October 31, 2018
Awesome Powerful Very Moving
This was amazing and unbelievably accurate ! I thought she was writing about me for a bit !
Very moving- powerful- any gambling addict should be able to relate !
This was amazing and unbelievably accurate ! I thought she was writing about me for a bit !
Very moving- powerful- any gambling addict should be able to relate !
August 26, 2020
Heart-tugging memoirs and how gambling addiction touched her life...
If you know a loved one who might be having a problem with gambling or gambling too much?
Gift them this book! The author shares the real, the raw, and all the underlying roots of why and how she began using gambling for all the wrong reasons and got hooked!
It is NOT a book of HOW to recover, it is about all the trauma, abuse, verbal abuse growing up and it carried into adulthood can lead us on a dark path we do not CHOOSE. They say: "Hate the addiction and not the addict." In this author's case, that is true. I'm in recovery so I related to the backstory and memories she shares and at times, very raw.
I congratulate her bravery for sharing about her disease and sickness as many do not understand any addiction, let alone one that is still very silent and requires no substances...Ponder that for a while. Happy she found recovery!
If you know a loved one who might be having a problem with gambling or gambling too much?
Gift them this book! The author shares the real, the raw, and all the underlying roots of why and how she began using gambling for all the wrong reasons and got hooked!
It is NOT a book of HOW to recover, it is about all the trauma, abuse, verbal abuse growing up and it carried into adulthood can lead us on a dark path we do not CHOOSE. They say: "Hate the addiction and not the addict." In this author's case, that is true. I'm in recovery so I related to the backstory and memories she shares and at times, very raw.
I congratulate her bravery for sharing about her disease and sickness as many do not understand any addiction, let alone one that is still very silent and requires no substances...Ponder that for a while. Happy she found recovery!
November 30, 2021
From the other side of the coin, we all know someone who is an addict, no matter the affliction. This book is an eye-opener written by one who has been there and is in constant recovery. Recovery is not a one-time fix it and it is done. Catherine tells of her lifelong struggle with family and issues which led to her illness and how she climbed out of the hell she inadvertently put herself in. It is soul-wrenching to read, but it will help the non-addict to help understand what the addicted person lives through on a daily basis. Don't for a minute believe that the everyday person is not addicted to something. Is it your phone, the tv, shopping, sugar, anything can be an addiction, so read this book and learn from her trials. It is a learning experience. I give it five stars and would be more if I could. It took COURAGE to write this book. Give her the credit she deserves. Read and learn.
March 3, 2022
Catherine's book is a different look at addition.
Understanding this growing problem will help those who may suffer in silence from gambling addiction.
It is an in-depth look at how and why the author became addicted.
We all know the disease of addiction comes in many forms. And reading the book is not how to recovery; it is deeper than that. The author shares that she finds the roots and issues of why she began gambling and got addicted through the hard work within her recovery.
That is just as important for the addict to begin to heal and gain long-term recovery. Simply a fascinating memoir. Highly recommend it.
Understanding this growing problem will help those who may suffer in silence from gambling addiction.
It is an in-depth look at how and why the author became addicted.
We all know the disease of addiction comes in many forms. And reading the book is not how to recovery; it is deeper than that. The author shares that she finds the roots and issues of why she began gambling and got addicted through the hard work within her recovery.
That is just as important for the addict to begin to heal and gain long-term recovery. Simply a fascinating memoir. Highly recommend it.
March 25, 2018
Catherine's candid, honest and straightforward approach to her "evolution of self" are impressive and resilient. Resiliency and respect, they're the emotions that come forth when writing a to the point review for a fellow peer. Her book is in my re-read pile!
As a fellow peer living in recovery from addictive tendencies myself, it's been a pleasure and inspiration when Catherine and I exchange email conversations. I look forward to working with her in the near future.
~Brian D Satterfield; Author, Advocate and Peer Mentor.
As a fellow peer living in recovery from addictive tendencies myself, it's been a pleasure and inspiration when Catherine and I exchange email conversations. I look forward to working with her in the near future.
~Brian D Satterfield; Author, Advocate and Peer Mentor.
January 18, 2018
I am one.
I can relate to this woman. This book. book was brought to me by God. I am so glad I read her story. Thanks for sharing.
I can relate to this woman. This book. book was brought to me by God. I am so glad I read her story. Thanks for sharing.
April 16, 2016
A very personal, honest, no holds barred memoir. This is the tale of the author’s journey with gambling addiction.
Catherine Townsend-Lyon has been very honest about all her failings. Though she admits writing the book had a cathartic effect it must have been very hard to recall and put into the public view all that occurred on her journey. She has to be admired and respected for having taken this step.
The author has endured much but at the same time I think it only right to remind readers she is anything but alone in this. Many of us, one way or another, have suffered in our lives, some similar to her own experiences, others very different. We are each unique and individual and though there may be similarities each of our journeys differ.
Though one of her motivations for writing this book is to help others who suffer with the same addiction it should be born in mind this is very much her own tale. No doubt others have and do experience similar circumstances but this is not a handbook for them. Nevertheless, having said that, it should help many to appreciate they are not alone; that others have and are going through similar difficulties; that there is hope; that there is escape if they truly work toward it.
Throughout, ‘triggers’ are described and talked about but we must bear in mind these are also personal to her. For others the ‘triggers’ may be very different. Catherine (if I may be so personal as to refer to her by first name) frequently explains how, through her dysfunctional family, she consistently felt valueless. But in addition, and very sadly, briefly describes; how she was abused by someone outside the family; how she was unable to tell anyone about it; how this also acted as a ‘trigger’ and how the combined resulting mind-set and emotions have continued to plague her throughout life.
Drawbacks:
Before mentioning these it is only fair to acknowledge the author has made clear she is not a writer but has simply decided to share her own story. It is very much told in her own words and expressions which has the benefit of really making this a personal work. Nevertheless:
• I consider the book too long. Much of what has been shared could be condensed and consequently would make it a more readily readable book. For many time is an issue and it would be a shame if readers gave up because of the length.
• Until approximately the sixty percent mark (I read this on a Kindle and therefor am referring to percentages rather than page numbers) I did not feel drawn into the story. Of course this may be personal to me but up to this point I felt I was simply being presented with information and facts. I was able to sympathise but that was all. However, after this point there were areas where I felt empathy for the author; could feel her emotions, concerns, sorrow and disappointment.
• Most addiction recovery programmes have a twelve step process. The author frequently refers to these but never really explains what is involved. Of course I appreciate this is not intended to be a formal guide but it would have been nice to have a little more understating of what these steps involve; many readers will not be suffering from the addiction but will be reading out of genuine and general interest.
Rating: As any regular or frequent readers of this blog and my reviews will know, I consider the majority of books fall within the three-star rating. Regrettably, to my mind at least, the rating system has been undermined, sad to say mostly by self-published authors, by the constant allocation of higher ratings than often merited. But at the same time, I acknowledge reading is a subjective experience. Consequently, what one may enjoy another may dislike and each has the right to reflect this. Nonetheless, I do consider far too many four and five stars have been given. Now, with respect to this book, I have found it difficult to determine a final rating. The author has willingly shared everything, exposing all her faults and failures honestly. She has taken us on the difficult journey of her life without drawing back from the realities, prepared to endure the opinions and attitudes that may result. For this reason, and despite the reservations referred to above, I consider the book merits a higher rating than three stars. Existing rating systems, well at least those that are primarily used by readers, do not allow for percentages. Consequently, I feel there is no option but for me to allocate 4 stars (****).
Catherine Townsend-Lyon has been very honest about all her failings. Though she admits writing the book had a cathartic effect it must have been very hard to recall and put into the public view all that occurred on her journey. She has to be admired and respected for having taken this step.
The author has endured much but at the same time I think it only right to remind readers she is anything but alone in this. Many of us, one way or another, have suffered in our lives, some similar to her own experiences, others very different. We are each unique and individual and though there may be similarities each of our journeys differ.
Though one of her motivations for writing this book is to help others who suffer with the same addiction it should be born in mind this is very much her own tale. No doubt others have and do experience similar circumstances but this is not a handbook for them. Nevertheless, having said that, it should help many to appreciate they are not alone; that others have and are going through similar difficulties; that there is hope; that there is escape if they truly work toward it.
Throughout, ‘triggers’ are described and talked about but we must bear in mind these are also personal to her. For others the ‘triggers’ may be very different. Catherine (if I may be so personal as to refer to her by first name) frequently explains how, through her dysfunctional family, she consistently felt valueless. But in addition, and very sadly, briefly describes; how she was abused by someone outside the family; how she was unable to tell anyone about it; how this also acted as a ‘trigger’ and how the combined resulting mind-set and emotions have continued to plague her throughout life.
Drawbacks:
Before mentioning these it is only fair to acknowledge the author has made clear she is not a writer but has simply decided to share her own story. It is very much told in her own words and expressions which has the benefit of really making this a personal work. Nevertheless:
• I consider the book too long. Much of what has been shared could be condensed and consequently would make it a more readily readable book. For many time is an issue and it would be a shame if readers gave up because of the length.
• Until approximately the sixty percent mark (I read this on a Kindle and therefor am referring to percentages rather than page numbers) I did not feel drawn into the story. Of course this may be personal to me but up to this point I felt I was simply being presented with information and facts. I was able to sympathise but that was all. However, after this point there were areas where I felt empathy for the author; could feel her emotions, concerns, sorrow and disappointment.
• Most addiction recovery programmes have a twelve step process. The author frequently refers to these but never really explains what is involved. Of course I appreciate this is not intended to be a formal guide but it would have been nice to have a little more understating of what these steps involve; many readers will not be suffering from the addiction but will be reading out of genuine and general interest.
Rating: As any regular or frequent readers of this blog and my reviews will know, I consider the majority of books fall within the three-star rating. Regrettably, to my mind at least, the rating system has been undermined, sad to say mostly by self-published authors, by the constant allocation of higher ratings than often merited. But at the same time, I acknowledge reading is a subjective experience. Consequently, what one may enjoy another may dislike and each has the right to reflect this. Nonetheless, I do consider far too many four and five stars have been given. Now, with respect to this book, I have found it difficult to determine a final rating. The author has willingly shared everything, exposing all her faults and failures honestly. She has taken us on the difficult journey of her life without drawing back from the realities, prepared to endure the opinions and attitudes that may result. For this reason, and despite the reservations referred to above, I consider the book merits a higher rating than three stars. Existing rating systems, well at least those that are primarily used by readers, do not allow for percentages. Consequently, I feel there is no option but for me to allocate 4 stars (****).
February 3, 2016
Problem gambling is something that affects us all.
You might be in the process of trying to get your life back on track because you or a loved one has had a gambling problem.
You might be a child that is being denied a proper childhood because one of your parents is a problem gambler.
Or you may have recently lost your job because too much money is being spent online providing little to no economic benefit instead of being spent in our local communities, in local businesses and supporting jobs
At the end of the day problem gambling affects us all in one way or another.
Catherine Townsend-Lyon has done a great job bringing attention to this often taboo subject through this book
It appears the Government has abandoned this issue and the impact globally is going to continue to worsen as gambling products become more accessible through smartphones and other devices. We need more people like Catherine to highlight the destruction that gambling can create, get the conversation started and help make the changes that need to happen.
Addicted to Dimes is very insightful and while it is tragic what Catherine went through, it is great that she is using her first hand experiences, understanding and telling her story to help others.
Keep up the great work
You might be in the process of trying to get your life back on track because you or a loved one has had a gambling problem.
You might be a child that is being denied a proper childhood because one of your parents is a problem gambler.
Or you may have recently lost your job because too much money is being spent online providing little to no economic benefit instead of being spent in our local communities, in local businesses and supporting jobs
At the end of the day problem gambling affects us all in one way or another.
Catherine Townsend-Lyon has done a great job bringing attention to this often taboo subject through this book
It appears the Government has abandoned this issue and the impact globally is going to continue to worsen as gambling products become more accessible through smartphones and other devices. We need more people like Catherine to highlight the destruction that gambling can create, get the conversation started and help make the changes that need to happen.
Addicted to Dimes is very insightful and while it is tragic what Catherine went through, it is great that she is using her first hand experiences, understanding and telling her story to help others.
Keep up the great work
April 7, 2017
A must read for understanding.....
What an amazing life and journey this brave woman to shares her ups and downs with gambling addiction, her trauma she went through and so much more! I give it 5-Stars as she is correct when she warns us this Memoir was NOT written to be "a book: in the beginning. It is a raw, unpolished, and in-depth look inside a gambling addict and what it took to reclaim her life back.
Catherine's book reads as if you are two girlfriends sitting across from each other talking about "Life." I was a little familiar about "addictions" in general, but this book opened my eyes to see how devastating gambling addiction can be when one is not careful or gamble responsively. It also made me realize just how prevalent gambling is all over in our everyday living. She did a great job with the editing of this memoir and I suggest everyone, not just those who may have or know someone with a gambling problem.
It is an education into her raising awareness while being brave enough to write about all her life challenges with recovery, mental health and the work it takes to recover for others to learn from.
An Exceptional Read and Journey!
What an amazing life and journey this brave woman to shares her ups and downs with gambling addiction, her trauma she went through and so much more! I give it 5-Stars as she is correct when she warns us this Memoir was NOT written to be "a book: in the beginning. It is a raw, unpolished, and in-depth look inside a gambling addict and what it took to reclaim her life back.
Catherine's book reads as if you are two girlfriends sitting across from each other talking about "Life." I was a little familiar about "addictions" in general, but this book opened my eyes to see how devastating gambling addiction can be when one is not careful or gamble responsively. It also made me realize just how prevalent gambling is all over in our everyday living. She did a great job with the editing of this memoir and I suggest everyone, not just those who may have or know someone with a gambling problem.
It is an education into her raising awareness while being brave enough to write about all her life challenges with recovery, mental health and the work it takes to recover for others to learn from.
An Exceptional Read and Journey!
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