Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

It starts with a desire to quit gambling and builds from there, one day at a time. You're not alone. A partner that is supportive is a huge help, but it's impossible for an individual who isn't addicted to gambling, to understand what this disease of the mind is all about. That's why we need each other here. I had to confess to my husband twice. The first time around I was able to quit using mostly willpower. I had no idea what being in recovery was all about. I suppose I thought recovery was for other people, not me. The second time around I confessed and found Daily Strength. The people I've met here have made all the difference in the world! I'm so grateful to know I am not alone. So grateful to know I'm not the only one who stopped gambling and found myself back out there. My husband was furious with me both times. The first time around I surely felt sorry for myself and wanted to blame my addiction on my husband, and my family, and life in general. The second time around I knew I had to take responsibility for my actions, no matter what. The first time around I was gambling free for about two yrs, and full of self pity and loathing. I just couldn't understand why I can't gamble like "normal" people. It's different this time around, I don't care why I can't gamble like "normal" people, it just doesn't matter anymore. Recovery is a one day at a time thing for me, I'm discovering so much more about myself then why I can't gamble like a "normal" person. I'm learning to change the things I can in life (me) and to accept the things I can't change (everyone else). It sounds so simple, and I suppose it is for some people. But for me life has always been an uphill climb, struggling with chaos in my life and never knowing how to focus on me. Today life is getting better. I never knew I needed to focus on what I can change in my life and to accept the things in life that I cannot change. Oh, now I'm just repeating myself! lol I do that a lot... I just want to make sure I pass my recovery story along as best I can...repeating myself and all! Keep reading, carpie, there's so much to learn about life after gambling. Just for today I will not gamble.

thank u for your reply,you are right,one day at a time,my partner is furious with me now and rightly so,its all just happened and i do feel scared and very alone as ive just relised the enormity of my actions, ive hurt my partner again and for that alone i feel sick,let alone the money i have spent.i just want to stop and be trusted again...thank u again

once you've made the decision to stop, then EVERY DAY you must decide not to go. That's what one day at a time is. But Moyer is right, we are here for support and encouragement, and to vent and whatever else is needed to see you through. I've slipped many times, but I am confident that if I keep coming here, keep coming back, someday, one day, it will stick. You gotta start somewhere!

I agree, everyday you make the decision not to gamble--you would think with all the misery gambling causes it would be easy. one day at a time. just today i was running around town thinking i should go gamble and"relax". i didn't but i can't beleive the thought even entered my mind. one day at a time

thank u 4 ur support,its good to talk to people that do understand.my partner is still very hurt and angry but wants to try and work through it with me,i dont want to blow this chance as its my last chance to sort myself out.day 1 not gambling and right now i really dont even want to see a poker machine.i do want to never gamble again....so this is the first day of my new gamble free life

I agree with Moyer. You must find that desire to stop. DESIRE, not want to or need to, it must be a burning desire to stop, kill. destroy your life as it is now and start a new one, now. You cannot do it on your own through will power, the feelings and habits and routines are too strong for your will. It was too strong for mine, it was too strong for many others on this site. I recommend finding and going to GA. They helped me so much. There are people there who can empathize with your heartbreaks and failures, and they can stand you back up ,with genuine concern and advice to get you on the right path. Take that step, don't be embarrassed. You are recognizing your addiction, good! Keep moving in the right direction for you and for your partner. Machines were my downfall also. There is hope and it happens, ONE DAY AT A TIME. We are here for you. Stay in touch. Vaporlock.

I didn't know if I should start a new discussion but after reading these posts and so much of what you all said striking notes I needed to hear, I decided to comment as well. Hope it's ok. I, too wish to stop but find it so very, very difficult at certain times. It's almost like wild horses couldn't drag me away. I know I have character flaws that need dealing with, such as stubborness, etc., but I honestly don't feel like I have the knowledge or strength sometimes to make the changes. I've been to lots of GA meetings and even a problem gambling center involving intense group and individual therapy, but nothing seems to help. The self-loathing afterwards tears me up inside and then for a few days I resolve to never go gambling again but then something happens, an opportunity presents itself and before I know it I find myself sitting in front of a machine wondering why I have no willpower or self-discipline. It's so discouraging! It's like some kind of diabolical parasite is using me for a host and it's entangled itself into my skin, my mind, my being......and I just don't know how to get rid of it.

Sometimes I exhibit the same mindset and behavior as those who I condemn and detest and then I feel like such a hypocrit.

This disease or whatever it is has gotten progressively worse over the years. I long for the days of innocence.

You are not alone in this. Telling your partner is a hard thing to do. I know what you are feeling. I haven't told my partner and not sure if I will. I wouldn't be able to handle the anger, and losing his trust. So for the time being, I am going to work on getting clean and recovery. Plus I have been signing up and visiting as many CG forums as much as possible. Reading and posting with other people who have the same disease is a relief. It can be isolating when you are the only one around who is dealing with an addiction.

thank u once again for your replies,i ve not gambled for three days now and my partner and myself are working things out.(thank god,as i thought my realtionship was over and it means everything to me)im off to bali for a family holiday next week,so this a great start to my new gamble free life,this is a fantastic site,its helped me already...