Hi mars54 and welcome to DS! This is a great group of people who have all "been there and done that" in some way, shape or form. Everyone's situation is different, of course, but the feelings and challenges to overcome are very similar. It's something each of us with the addictive personality you mention :] have to take one day at a time. Great that you realize that you need to do something different. Enjoy the walk and come back soon to read, write, and share.
Smokeygirl

Welcome Mars!
I, too, isolated- closet gambler. The more I gambled, the more I isolated. The more I isolated, the more I focused on getting that next bet in. Since I've stopped gambling, I take every opportunity I can to get out and do something or just plain reach out to someone- it helps immensely. I'm not even talking about reaching out to another recovering compulsive gambler for support (although the best option if in the midst of a huge urge), but really just anyone- family, friends, neighbors- just get out there and take your mind off of it- you deserve it!
Hang in there and take it one day at a time!
Jay

welcome mars54. I too have an addictive personality and am a isolated gambler. i think most of us compulsive gamblers have that trait of compulsion not being able to accept the fact that beating the casino in the long run will never happen...we get obsessed with this pipe dream of winning only to lose more and more . i got abit of gamble free time in but been struggling lately with urges. I always would go to casino bye myself late night right about this time always drank heavily while i played. it was like a secret affair just me and a table or a slot...always turned into my secret affair being a thief in the night. leaving at 5-6 am tired,broke, hungover , hungry..etc. thanks for posting...just gave me a another reminder of why to stay away. best wishes to you staying gf its not easy but it can be done sincerely Johnny

Hi Mars! Wow you sound like a friend of mine, I hope you will be! I am also a compulsive gambler, addicted to slots. My addictions are gambling, smoking, caffeine and I'm starting to think food too. I am an adult child of an alcoholic mother and emotionally abusive father. I'm 40 and have 2 kids, and for now I'm married (that's not going so well). I have 11 days gambling free, so I'm right there with you in the early stage. Since I've stopped gambling I've been focusing hard on the things that REALLY matter to me in my life, my kids and some new ways to spend my time (therapy and Gamblers Anonymous are two positive choices I've made!) Congrats on your 3 days, that is awesome! For me so far making the decision to stop and the first few days of not going were the hardest. Big pat on your back for being so strong. (((((((Hug)))))))))

Thanks everyone!! I have not tried an online site like this before. Your responses are AWESOME!! Thank You! I can see the similarities in our thinking. This gives me strength to carry on. "Just for today I will not gamble". I have posted a list of other things to do and will begin them NOW!! And my reward for finishing my task list shall be.....going outside with my camera. (That felt important to write due to the fact that after a very hard or trying day, even just finishing my task list, I need a reward. Well in the past my "reward" was going to the casino. Just for today I will not gamble. Thanks all!! Have a wonderful GF Sunday!!!
mars54