Can even those who are called to be spiritual mentors struggle with burdensome addiction, and why does community support become a lifeline for them? The life story of a Catholic priest who faced gambling addiction for many years sheds light on universal difficulties and hope for change. This story is not only about personal struggle, but also about how the experience of overcoming becomes a lesson for society.
The double life of Father Paul between mission and addiction
Father Paul White devoted five decades to missionary work in Korea, combining service with a deep inner struggle. His professional path seemed to be a model of service and devotion, but outside the view of others he fought gambling addiction for many years. The habit of gambling appeared long before his missionary activity, and despite his religious duty, this trap wouldn’t let go even in his mature years.
Father Paul’s story shows that addiction does not distinguish between professions, knowledge, or status. According to experts, there is a stigma among clergy and other ministers that prevents them from openly admitting their vulnerability and seeking help (according to materials from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, USA, 2021). For many, admitting the problem becomes the hardest step, especially when the principles of openness before parishioners require it.
These issues become especially relevant in modern conditions, when gambling has become more accessible due to the emergence of online casinos. Because of this, people who are prone to gambling addiction or already suffer from it find it harder to resist temptations. One could say that a person carries the temptation of gambling in their pocket.
The problem is also aggravated by the fact that online casinos now offer not only slot machines and not only games with live dealers. Gambling developers have started to actively offer new formats. One of the latest developments is crash games, which quickly became popular. This is confirmed by data from the site Lucky Jet Game, where you can find out in which online casinos such a crash game as Lucky Jet is offered. It is a vivid representative of this type of entertainment.
The more gambling entertainment appears in the online space, the greater the risk of developing gambling addiction. If the problem has arisen, it is important to seek help as soon as possible.
What helped Father Paul not to remain alone?
Father Paul began his road to freedom after getting acquainted with the Gamblers Anonymous movement (GA) — an international support community for people with gambling addiction. Founded in the mid-20th century, the movement has spread all over the world, and today its groups exist in hundreds of cities.
Attending the first meeting required courage, as admitting oneself as an addict was not easy. However, it was the simplicity of the meeting — the absence of a formal regime, the anonymity of participants, and the trusting atmosphere — that helped make the first step. At the heart of the GA program are the famous 12 steps, which include admitting one’s problem, accepting help, analyzing one’s own mistakes, and gradual recovery.
Anonymity is considered the cornerstone of the movement. It allows participants to speak frankly without fear of judgment. Father Paul himself noted that recovery begins when a person stops hiding their weakness: “I do not hide that I am a Catholic priest. For many this is surprising, but for someone — a reason to stop being ashamed and also start the path to healing” (from his book “My Life, Born Gambler, Catholic Priest”, fatherpaulbio.com).
The importance of support and community
How do regular meetings help to resist temptations and not give up? The main thing is collective support. In the group, a sense of belonging is formed, and the opportunity to share stories and listen to others’ fates becomes a powerful motivating factor.
Community support is realized in different ways:
• personal meetings and group discussions
• phone calls and remote communication with those who cannot attend
• mentoring and sharing experiences between veterans and newcomers
Why does the support of like-minded people turn out to be stronger than fighting alone? Father Paul said: “For me, participating in the meeting is not only personal care, it is a way to inspire others not to give up and to seek help” (from a personal conversation with Fr Tim Mulroy). By sharing difficulties, a person gets a chance to see their story in a new light.
The author’s personal experience: an outside perspective
When Father Paul lost the ability to travel to meetings on his own after illness, Fr Tim Mulroy offered to accompany him. To his surprise, he was invited to attend the meeting as an observer. The impression of the format was strong: an informal setting, no outward signs of organization, complete anonymity.
The structure of the meeting included:
• self-introduction of participants
• reading a chapter from the methodological booklet
• voluntary sharing of personal stories and feelings
• words of support and joint reflection on the journey taken
• informal conversation over a cup of tea at the end
Fr Tim noted how the atmosphere of attentive listening and mutual respect distinguishes such meetings from other forms of group support. Here, no one claims authority; everyone has the right to be heard.
Lessons of the 12-step program for society
It is no coincidence that many call GA meetings an “oasis” in a world dominated by stress, behind-the-scenes competition, and the spirit of individualism. Even people who have not suffered from addictions can learn a lot from the principles of the program: acceptance of their weaknesses, trust, support, and honesty.
Interestingly, according to the American Center for Addiction Studies (Harvard Health Publishing, 2022), the percentage of long-term remission among participants in 12-step programs is 25% higher compared to those who fight alone. In a society where gambling advertising is becoming more aggressive and temptations are growing, the modest effectiveness of GA manifests itself without public slogans and external agitation.
Many participants call the result a “small miracle” when week after week they remain sober or free from gambling, despite a difficult environment.
The power of vulnerability and mutual help
Why does openly admitting one’s weaknesses become a point of support for change? Psychologists from the University of Chicago (2023) note that the ability to be honest with oneself and others reduces anxiety and gives strength to build a new life.
Vulnerability is like a transparent window that lets in the light of change. One of the GA veterans shared: “By helping others, I myself get a chance to deal with my demons.” Father Paul confirmed these words: “Because of addiction, I began to understand people and my calling better. It made me more sensitive and stronger” (according to the recollections of Fr Tim Mulroy).
The story of Father Paul and the experience of Gamblers Anonymous teach: addiction can affect anyone, but community support and faith in change make healing real. However, questions remain: How can social stigma be overcome? What place should mutual help have in our world?
Can the honest story of one person inspire others to take the first step towards change? This is the main hope of those who have walked their path — like Father Paul and his companions.