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...

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Day 4

rmiss94
rmiss94
Today marks my 4th day of recovery. After being super stressed about having to confront some wrong doings to people I love on Thursday, I have to admit I feel better even though the hurt is still there for them. I cannot change the decisions I made to feed my addiction, I can only learn and move on. I do regret the choices I made, but cannot continue to beat myself up over them. I can only hope that one day, they will forgive. I was still feeling the affects of the "intervention" on Friday, so I sought medical treatment. The dr prescribed me "happy pills" to help with the anxiety I was feeling, but after taking just one pill, I did not like how it made me feel. I decided not to take them and go about this without medication. It felt good to have some money over the weekend and to be able to go to the store and get things that were needed. I have noticed changes already in my relationships with my boyfriend, children, and my Granny, who is my mother. I have to admit, I tried to think of ANYTHING to get out of having the "meeting" on Thursday, but am glad it happened. One day at a time........I do have support and am thankful for it. It also feels good to talk about it. To not have to be lying or thinking up lies, feels awesome. I have yet to go and self ban myself but I do not want to even step foot on the casino property. I haven't had any urges but know that they will eventually happen. Here's to day 4 and many more :)
memom421
memom421
Congratulatins Rmiss. Facing each day as it comes is stepping in the right direction. I am happy you have support and that you feel good talking about it. Glad you are able to see the positive changes already as this will encourage you. Here is an interesting article I came acroos, if you are interested: http://bit.ly/1Kl46KZ
I'll keep you in my prayers.
memom421
amerprin
amerprin
Congratulations on Day 4! If you get the urge just check in on this site and start reading and responding to others. This site is a god sent and will help you in getting of the ledge.
All the best!
highlimit
highlimit
Congratulations on taking the first steps toward recovery. For me the first few weeks were the hardest. There was a moment about 5 days into my abstinence where I drove to the casino with the intentions of using my reward play. I drove around the parking garage for a few minutes torn as to whether or not I should go in. This was the longest streak I had in 3 years of not gambling and felt tremendous shame that I was there. I started thinking to myself "stop being a you know what and just park and get this over with." That's when I had the epiphany, it takes much more courage NOT to gamble than it does to give in to the urge. I left and haven't been back since. It's been almost 7 months. I can promise you quitting gambling for good will be one of the best things you have done for yourself, hand's down. You can do this. Stay strong and use this site and whatever tools are necessary to defeat this demon for good. I believe in you!
pennyluv
pennyluv
rmiss94, My heart goes out to you. Remember that time will alleviate some of the pain you are feeling now. Stay strong and healthy :-).

highlimit, Great comment about it taking more courage to not gamble than to give in to it. I will keep that in my bag of tricks. I can't tell you how many times I have driven to a casino and willed myself to turn around but never have. Sometimes a comment remembered is all the strength we need to do the right thing.
mybestself
mybestself
We are not bad people trying to get good. We are sick people trying to get well. If I had cancer I would feel very hurt by my disease but also very willing to get well. How is compulsive gambling any different? Both are devastating and both require tremendous work to recover.

Rmiss94, congratulations on 4 days. For me gambling became just what I did when I didn't want or have anything else to do. I knew nothing different.

What an awesome opportunity to learn and experience life from a new view! One that is without gambling.
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
Since you know that urges will come, make a plan about how you will handle them now, while you do not have urges. What are you going to do when you are feeling antsy, lonely, tired, hungry, restless? Practice it like a fire drill and you will be able to do it when the real urge comes. Now, do ANYTHING to not gamble. Whatever it takes. Prayers and (((hugs)))
memom421
memom421
Rmiss
just checking in with you to see how you are doing? There is a lot of support for you here. Wishing you congratulations on days 5,6, & 7 too. Stay strong! Hugs & blessings to you.
rmiss94
rmiss94
Thanks memom421!!! I am still GF!!!!! It creeps in my mind at times but I remind myself if I give in, I yet again have lied to everyone. So far that is working for me and keeping me out of the casinos. Today (payday), I rewarded myself with some new to me clothes. Although they were from a thrift store, it still felt good to buy for myself and know it wasn't going to be the last of my money. I want to become financially conscious and save where I can so that I can get some debts paid off and save for various things. I appreciate you checking in on me. Although I don't post much, I get on here at least once a day to read the topics and remarks :)
memom421
memom421
Great job Rmiss! Thanks for continuing to share. How was your weekend? I've grown fond of thrift stores myself. You know, paying off a debt is also a reward to yourself. You're right, we have to look at it in the most positive way & keep ourselves encouraged. You can always find encouragement here or from God directly. I know He answers my prayers. Just saying hi this Monday morning. Have a great week!
memom421
donice57
donice57
Congrats...I can relate to the feeling of freedom from the lies we tell to attempt to cover our tracks...I have gotten disgusted with myself so many times...hopefully those are unpleasant memories in thd rear view mirror.
suehoo
suehoo
Remiss....please get the real courage to ban yourself immediately. You will be surprised how it lessons the "I gotta go feeling"! Please do this tomorrow. They treat you with the utmost respect. You can call ahead and schedule a time. They will probably tell what a good decision you made by doing this. Take a trusted friend with you. I promise the relief is unbelievable. You can even show the people in your life that you wronged the proof of your courage. God's blessings to you. Get a good GA counselor...it's free....and move forward.
donice57
donice57
Hoping you are still gamble free....prayers....
memom421
memom421
Rmiss...another Monday morning shout out to you. Hope you are still enjoying being gambling-free! Blessings to you.
memom421
frank12
frank12
Keep it up rmiss94. One day at a time. You don't need it in your life.