~snip~
I am now trying my best to be very attentive to my addiction problem. I still have the feeling that I can break down again and go down the same bad road I went down many years ago.
Many friends have already turned away from me when they found out that I spent their money that I borrowed on gambling. Yes, of course, I gave it all back to them, but I no longer have that trust. The consequences of those times still remain. My relatives also know that I can act in the same way. This burden, it seems to me, will accompany me for the rest of my life and there is no escape from it.
I think people can change, and others will eventually get used to the new persona.
It does take time, but in the end it's for the best.
Also, people that got their debts paid and see how someone has changed and not acknowledge that change are the ones in the wrong, not the person changing.
In the end time heals everything.