Despite the alluring sudden windfalls that the lottery can bring, becoming a winner is not a means to secure a promising future. For some individuals, winning the lottery has turned out to be a double-edged sword that has led to psychological PTSD.

One notable example is Jack Whittaker, who won a record-breaking $$320 million Powerball Jackpot in 2003. At the time, he was a South Carolina businessman who had a modest income and a wife of 41 years. Initially, his win brought him glory and respect from his community, but his newfound wealth also attracted unwelcome attention. Foreigners begged at his doorstep begging for money, and some even allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted his eldest granddaughter in an attempt to extort money from him.

Whittaker's life soon spiralled out of control as he struggled to adjust to his new reality. He was sued by multiple individuals claiming they had won the jackpot as well, and he was constantly accosted by swindlers. His relationships with family and friends fell apart quickly as they fought over his wealth, leading to a sharp decline in his mental health.

Likewise, William "Bud" Post's life began to fall apart after he won $ $15 million in the Pennsylvania Lottery in 1987. At first, he was thrilled with his fortune and began living a lavish lifestyle. However, as time passed, his desire for wealth and status consumed him. He made many destructive choices and became embroiled in a custody battle with his estranged wife and his sister, who was appointed as the manager of his trust fund.

Post's world eventually came crashing down when his estranged wife sued him for decentralized gambling a large sum. He also became embroiled in a conflict over assets with his sister, who accused him of stealing assets from his trust fund. Eventually, Post's trust fund was reduced to just $100 thousand due to poor investments.

Another tragic case is that of Albert Shakespeare, who won $$18 million in a Florida lottery in 2005. Initially, he purchased lavish gifts for his friends and family, but as his wealth grew, so did his desire for luxury and excess. He began investing in several ventures, including a real estate venture, but his ventures ultimately failed.

In the end, Shakespeare's life was ended abruptly when he was murdered by a woman he had befriended and given a lavish lifestyle for in the years following his win.

The stories of Abraham Shakespeare serve as cautionary tales for the lottery's potential pitfalls. Becoming a winner can bring both financial freedom and social pressure if individuals are not prepared to handle the stress and scrutiny that comes with it. As for the advice given by Bud Post after his win, "it's like a recipe for disaster"