Published August 10, 2025 | By Sean H, Collectors MD Advocate

A truth hurts for a minute. A lie hurts forever.

This was one of the first mantras I heard when I started attending Gamblers Anonymous, and it’s stuck with me ever since. Those words are simple—but they hit deep.

When I was addicted to spending money on cards, I kept it hidden. I lied to my wife. I lied to my friends. I lied to myself. I was drowning in shame and embarrassment. And when the truth finally came out, I made a promise: I won’t lie to them again.

For over five months, I stayed clean. I didn’t buy a single card. But last week, that changed.

In a moment of desperation, guilt, and unhappiness, I bought some personal boxes. It didn’t feel good. It wasn’t joyful. But this time, I didn’t hide it. I told my wife. I was honest about my struggle and where my head was at. And you know what? That honesty was a win.

Addiction thrives in silence. Shame grows in secrecy. But healing begins the moment we open up.

I still don’t know if I’ll be able to buy cards again in a healthy way. I’m not sure what recovery looks like long-term. But I do know this: I’m not alone. I have my family. I have my friends. And I have the resources and support of Collectors MD.

If you’re struggling, please hear this: You are not alone.

And if you haven’t told someone yet—if you’re still carrying that weight—there is no better time than now to let it out. The truth might sting for a moment, but it could save your life.

#CollectorsMD
Honesty doesn’t just free you—it connects you to the people who can help you heal.

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