Need help/suggestions that are not 12-step based for gambling problem

[Guest guest]

Hi...I was a member of A.A for 16 years, still sober and enjoying my

life away from 12-step programs.

This help I ask for is for my best friend,who has started using drugs

again, and has been gambling for the past 3 years at a very self-

destructive speed!!!!

She was also a member of A.A. for 8 years, and is convinced that she

has " no choice " in her behavior now because she is " powerless " over

her " disease " . I have talked to her about her free will and the power

she truely does have within her to beat this thing.

She has been leaving her 13 year old son alone alot when she goes to

gamble, has built up over 50,000 in debts and cant even buy food. She

has recently begun to sell drugs to keep up with her gambling

problem, though she has no idea that I am aware of this.

Just need some opinions about " free will " , and what people think

about gambling as an addiction.

Thanks!!

Braiden