Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

Hi Iowadawn...welcome to this site!

Like you, I hold a position that would be affected if the extent of my gambling problem were known. Coming here was the thing that has saved me. I have developed a sense of community here and I have been helped beyond what I can express by the support and inspiration I have found here. The Safe Harbor chat room mentioned by Eastwester has been a great help to me, especially when I first quit gambling.

Writing journals, and reading and commenting on those of others has been of great benefit. Sometimes I go back to my early journals to reread them, and I am amazed at the extent my life has been turned around since then. I am so grateful for this recovery!

Just realizing I was no longer alone with my problem was such a comfort and relief. You will learn that your story is very similar to those of many of us here, and that it is truly possible to recover.

I had gambled for about 5 years as well...losing more and more. It is a progressive disease. I couldn't bear the pain and humiliation I was facing if I kept gambling, so I quit.

My last day gambling was 1-1-08...and I owe it to people here on this site as well as at Safe Harbor. What was nearly impossible to do alone became possible with a community of support and friendship behind me.

Wishing you strength, hope, and joy in your recovery!

Welcome Iowadawn!! You have certainly made the right step at the right time, hitting rock bottom for me was the catalyst to seeking help, but the fact you're doing it early is fantastic. Just reading what everyone writes here, whether it be in their journals or on the forums seems to really help me - it's great that we can all share our feelings and thoughts with people going through the same thing.

For me the key is taking it one day at a time. Even after 2 months of not gambling, it seems like a lot of days to do that, but for me it has been the best method. Wake up in the morning and tell yourself that you will not gamble today. It's a positive start and it may get you motivated in the morning. I know in Gamblor mode I certainly had trouble getting motivated and getting out of bed to actually do what I needed to that day. Instead I put things off which led to boredom/gambling.

It sounds like if you give up the casino, you'll give up smoking. That's got to be another positive too right? I think you should start not seeing the casino as warm and welcoming. It really isn't. I used to work as a dealer and trust me, half the time I didn't care if punters won or lost. The casino doesn't really care, it just works to maximise its profits and maintain a steady flow of money on tables. It's a unnatural environment designed to keep you there.

Once you feel comfortable, start with your social life. It may take a while, hell I'm still trying to work mine out - I left so many close friends in the dark for a long time. This will be important in your recovery. You will face demons but remember you always have a choice. Good luck, it sounds like you're off to a great start! :)

I went into the casino by my house a few years ago and did a self ban. They took my picture and sent me a letter that I would be arrested if caught there. I didnt go back for at least 2 years. Got married, changed my last name and snuck in again. No one noticed so again I continued going and lost tons of money. Just a week ago I called and told them my story. they pulled my file, changed my name and said they would have my picture out and make sure if I did enter the building I would be kicked out. That was enough to keep me out. A friend of mine did a self ban and every time she went in they threw her out. She even tried to disguise herself and they caught her. I also read on this site someone did a self ban, won a lot of money and just left. If you win enough to be taxed they will ask for your ID and if you have been self banned they will kick you out and you dont get the money. MY reason for going was to win that one large jackpot. So a self ban will keep me out for at least a couple of years. It is a long drive to the next nearest casino. Last friday was my first paycheck without going to the casino. I had put in a ton of overtime to make up some of my loss. I thought about the casino the entire weekend but I didnt go. I even have money left today. I was able to pay bills, help out my kids- what a great feeling. My husband is really an awesome, very supportive person. I thank God for him everyday. This site is also very helpful. Its nice to see Im not alone.

6 years ago I joined a GA group. I had good intentions but now I know I didn't fully commit. I was not about to self excluse myself from a casino (what if I got control years later and wanted to return?) I know that was in the back of my mind. I didn't tell my friends or family I was going to GA because I didn't want them to know I was weak. So after six months I returned to the habit. Now, I will do anything it takes. I have told my family and friends and if I feel an urge, I will self exclude. I will go to the casino and ask them to exclude me. That means the next time I walk in, they will escort me out because they have a picture of me and the doormen know who I am. If, I get by them and win on a slot, I will not be able to cash it. So, if you are serious about losing this affliction and you can't bring yourself to go to a meeting or what it takes to get the monster off your back, then self exclude. Hugs and good luck to you.

I too have been struggling with gambling for about 4 years. This support group is great. Much experience and the success stories are very encouraging. I have self excluded myself - but unfortunately there is one Casino who does not enforce the self exclusions. I have even contacted them directly asking they they please enforce my self exclusion - it hasn't worked. They know they have a money making thing going. Why mess it up. I wish you strength to stay gamble free. As they say, one day at a time. I am doing that - it not so overwhelming if you look at it from that viewpoint.