Acknowledgements
So many people have enriched my
life and my work that I cannot even remember them all. The following is an
alphabetical list, by last name, of a few of those I shall never forget and can
never thank adequately. (* Indicates a person deceased as this is revised in
the year 2008.)
*Martin Bielefled, Ph.D.—A brilliant, modest man who helped
hundreds of gamblers re-enter the work force.
Michael Boston—For five years a co-worker, and for many more
a friend who cares.
*Charles Collins—A dedicated, wise counselor without whom so
much would have been impossible.
*Robert Custer, M.D.—A psychiatrist who cared deeply and got
us all started.
Msgr. Joseph Dunne—A personal hero of mine, a pioneer and
friend of recovering people everywhere.
Joanna Franklin—An important part of the gambling treatment
field from the very beginning
Gamblers Anonymous and Gam-Anon—Those who taught me so much
and cannot be named.
Denzel Gaines—A very kind and perceptive gentleman whose
eyes and hand were of great help in revising this book. His interest and
encouragement were much appreciated.
*Alida Glen, Ph.D.—Almost unknown today, she kept the
gambling program at Brecksville going from 1972 to 1978 and was a pioneer,
friend, and inspiration.
Durand F. Jacobs, Ph.D.—Boss, friend, consultant, and
resource for many years.
Graddy Johnson, J.D.—Editor and friend, a man who makes a
difference with skill and caring in the lives of many.
Gordon Loomis, M.D.—He, too, fought for what he believed in,
and made Brecksville work.
Richard McCormick, Ph.D.—An outstanding student,
administrator, friend, and finally my boss.
Hilda Newman, R.N.—A valued member of the Gambling Treatment
Team.
*Susan Neuendorff, R.N.—A very special and caring nurse; a
friend for many years.
Bob Noonan—An outstanding editor, without whom the first
edition of this book would be far more scattered and rambling than mortals
could tolerate.
Carol O'Hare—Executive Director of the Nevada Council on
Problem Gambling whose interest in this work and its revision was worth much
more than she knows.
George Robertson—Fellow ultralight pilot and storyteller,
whose technical skills made my first Internet page possible.
Loreen Rugle, Ph.D —Her devotion to work with problem
gamblers over the years has been remarkable and effective. I have watched her
rise from student to a leader in the field.
Ruth and *Irving Sacher—Complete human beings and prime
movers.
Rob Sedgwick—Rob published a first edition of this book
without which we would all be doomed to reading it on a computer screen. He
believed in the task at hand when commercial publishers of recovery literature
were indifferent.
*La Vene Patricia Taber—A wonderful wife, now departed and
still terribly missed.
Donald, Geoffrey, and Rachel—My kids who became wonderful
people in spite of their father.
Janice Vitale—A good friend and most valued co-worker.
Ruth Zollars— he best secretary and administrative assistant
one could ever have.
I've just scratched the surface, and the rest of you know
who you are and what I owe you.
Julian I. Taber, Ph.D.