Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group
Compulsive gambling is an urge or addiction to gamble despite harmful negative consequences or a desire to stop. A preferred term among many professionals is problem gambling, as few people described by the term experience true compulsions in the clinical sense of the word. Problem gambling often is defined by whether harm is experienced by the gambler or others rather...
I absolutely had to have help to get out of the despair I was in from gambling, so I hope you'll reach out to find support in your area. Leapyear22 is right--once you start working your recovery, things will eventually fall into place. For now, take a deep breath, be kind to yourself, and just do the next right thing to stay away from gambling one day at a time. Glad you posted. We are here for you!
On withdrawal: Absolutely, I went through withdrawal, which may vary from person to person as to when, how long it lasts and intensity. We are actually addicted to the organic chemical, dopamine, it comes from our own bodies and gambling makes our bodies flood our brains with it, in doses that are not natural to sustain. I also believe that withdrawal symptoms are part of what the experts use to define addiction.
I did not begin to feel better until around 3 to 3 1/2 months of abstinence. I had huge mood swings, depression, shame, and a flood of emotions and cried at everything for several weeks. It helps to take actions that will make you feel better. Allow yourself comfort food, bubble baths, sleep when you feel tired, eat when hungry, call someone when lonely or angry. Anything creative can relieve boredom, anxiety and urges. Reading a daily affirmation, exercise, singing, dancing, communing with nature and doing something for someone else, are all free and can make you feel better.There are quite a few educational videos about dopamine, addiction recovery etc on You Tube and TED.com.
I venture all of the people on this board have major losses, I was completely bankrupt financially, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. The money is never anybody's biggest problem, if we take care of the other three, the money will get worked out.
It will help you now and later to record this memory of how you feel right now - journal it. Reviewing my "rock bottom" is part of what keeps me abstinent today, I never want to feel that way again.
Here is the national problem gambling hotline: 1-800-522-4700 they can tell you if treatment is available in your area. In my State treatment is paid for with lottery dollars by State law and it is available for the gambler as well as their significant others. (Loved ones can get help even if the gamble is not seeking help.)
The high interest on the money thing, is that legal? It is not in my State. It's called predatory lending.
Hang in there, the most important day in our recovery is Day one, the day we decide to do something different.
these wonderful people who can so truthfully and humbly relate to all the devastation and insanity of this addiction.....their inspiring words keep me fuelled and in positive frame, as i have stated before...i am so grateful to you all...WHAT WOULD I DO WITHOUT YOUR INSPIRATIONS?!!! CHAMPIONS!!