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...

971 Members
6,389 Posts
0 Online
Addiction & Recovery
/ Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

14 Days Clean

amerprin
amerprin
Today marks 14 days clean for me. This morning for the first time the pull of gambling came over me. I layed in bed and pondered about going to the casino. I decided to make an alternative plan and call a friend. We ended up going to see a movie and cook dinner together. I later confessed to my friend about my gambling addiction. He listened and reassured me I can stay in control of not going to the casino. I'm glad I told him. I also mentioned to him my fear of not planning my financial future very well. (I'm 61 and have very little savings and just started a retirement. He reminded me to not dwell on the future so much but to stick to now and being mindful of my spending. Had a great discussion and feeling better. I'm more hopeful about my life.
Thank you everyone for your posts. It is very helpful to read your stories and receive support.
marieh2
marieh2
Great job! Have you heard it takes 21 days to make a habit? You are almost there to making it a habit of not wasting money at the casino. And boy, wasn't it a waste of money? Oh well can not look at that now, because the here and now is waiting on you to join in and live again. Proud of you!

This is a quote I got from a wise man. I printed it and put it on my bathroom wall.

"Between the preoccupation with the pasts different memories and our anxiety or ambition of the future, we shouldn't lose the present with its current moment, which is all we possess in this life's journey
Between preoccupation with past memories. divergent, and concern or ambition about the future, you do not have to waste your present "

KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!
amerprin
amerprin
Thank you MarieH2. I'm excited to hit the 21 day mark and keep going. Have a blessed day!
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
Look at the great human connectedness you gave an opportunity to happen. Your post is perfect and wonderful. It demonstrates the power of true friendship and connectedness. The experience you had with your friend is what most of us give up when we stay in action.
Good for you to make an alternate plan.
Your friend is definitely a keeper.
Yea!
amerprin
amerprin
Thank you Quit4good. I am aligning myself with non-gamblers to do things with. I am blessed to have long term friendships that are not into casinos.
I've already got plans for this weekend. Saturday night I am cooking dinner for an old friend. Sunday I am having dinner with family. And Monday I am getting my hair done. No more time for casinos in my life.
I hope all of you have made your weekend plans by now too.
newstarttoday
newstarttoday
Thank you for writing your post. I am still struggling and have made so many mistakes over the years. When I read your post, however it resonated with me. I think at 55 the one thing missing is true friendships and connections. Thanks for inspiring me!