DVD Handbook

I Could Be You

A Message About The Project

once, in your not-too-distant future, there will come a moment when

reflection upon your journey through young adulthood will be at hand.

Peering back through those years, a collection of memories and the

outcome of choices made will become the signposts by which you are

able to measure your positive development into adulthood. Sadly,

many of the very peers among whom walk the hallways of your school

today will fall victim to problem gambling and the accompanying

pitfalls of an addiction with the power to limit your future. Guided only

by the desire to empower you to be an advocate of change,

“I Could Be You” aims to raise awareness about the risks of problem

gambling. As you view the DVD, you will hear stories of how problem

gambling has affected young people and of their struggles to overcome

the often painful consequences of lives interrupted by a gambling

addiction. For you, let their stories touch, teach, and inspire your own

will to seek help if needed and to share knowledge when asked.

Funding for “I Could Be You” is provided by California Center for Youth Development & Health Promotion through a grant from

the California Office of Problem Gambling Betting On Our Future Youth Media Projects.

My Story

“At school, they all think they know me. But if they only knew the secrets I carry within my mind. If they only knew that I was once a problem gambler. People think I had it all. Just because I had my own car and my parents let me do whatever I want. What nobody knew was that I had no real friends. I was lonely. All my parents cared about was work. So when I saw a billboard for the casino the choice was easy. And the casino became my best friend. It became the mother I would run to when I needed something. It became like a father that would tell me all the reasons I was beautiful. That I was somebody.

It was a friend who I finally told my secret to. I told her I was a problem gambler and how it was ruining my life. How I was skipping school and feeling sad all the time because I could not stop. It was my friend who told me how to get help. That there was hope. There is always hope.

So, when you’re hurting inside. When you feel that you are alone and nobody is around to wipe your eyes, just close your eyes and know that there is more beyond the hurt inside of you. Close your eyes and know that you don’t have to gamble to escape. You don’t have to bet your life away.”

-Dominique

CENTENNIAL HIGH SCHOOL

FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE MEMBERS