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...
Day 51! I made it through the long weekend, and although I was alone, and there were times I had urges, I kept myself busy, and allowed myself to walk through the hard time, and now, I'm at work, at my desk, rested and hopeful.
I received a called yesterday from my sister, she is my identical twin. She has struggled with compulsive gambling for years, her addiction started several years before mine did, I used to take care of her daughter, because she was always gone at a casino and I could never understand how someone could leave their daughter, and stay in a casino for days on end. Of course, many years later, I found myself in the same position, a compulsive gambler.
My sister isn't in any type of support group, although she would go to meetings with me in the past and she has stated she is a compulsive gambler. I was shopping at an antique mall when she called, and she told me she went back out the night before. It caught me off guard, since its been over a year for her. I found myself having to walk out of the store and catch my breath. She told me it was awful and she regrets it. I thought to myself, she has been so concerned about me, especially this last weekend, she called me a billion times. I felt so guilty for not thinking that maybe she needed some support? She seemed okay, resolved with it, and said she won't go back. I remember that feeling, but I also remember being bitten by the gamblers bug, when I went and came home, I was okay with the lose and going, and it was a matter of a couple of days before I went again, and again, and again, until it just about crippled me.
Anyway, to all of you who are in recovery, and to all of you who are still suffering, my thoughts, thanks and prayers are with you. If it were not for your journey, paving it for me, I would be alone during this journey I'm on, called LIFE. xoxoxox
I received a called yesterday from my sister, she is my identical twin. She has struggled with compulsive gambling for years, her addiction started several years before mine did, I used to take care of her daughter, because she was always gone at a casino and I could never understand how someone could leave their daughter, and stay in a casino for days on end. Of course, many years later, I found myself in the same position, a compulsive gambler.
My sister isn't in any type of support group, although she would go to meetings with me in the past and she has stated she is a compulsive gambler. I was shopping at an antique mall when she called, and she told me she went back out the night before. It caught me off guard, since its been over a year for her. I found myself having to walk out of the store and catch my breath. She told me it was awful and she regrets it. I thought to myself, she has been so concerned about me, especially this last weekend, she called me a billion times. I felt so guilty for not thinking that maybe she needed some support? She seemed okay, resolved with it, and said she won't go back. I remember that feeling, but I also remember being bitten by the gamblers bug, when I went and came home, I was okay with the lose and going, and it was a matter of a couple of days before I went again, and again, and again, until it just about crippled me.
Anyway, to all of you who are in recovery, and to all of you who are still suffering, my thoughts, thanks and prayers are with you. If it were not for your journey, paving it for me, I would be alone during this journey I'm on, called LIFE. xoxoxox
gamble free today..
They are still out on what comes first or is actually the trigger.
I've seen it in my family and it was waiting to "get me" when I
became disenchanted with life and tried to avoid stress.
We should be given lessons in school on how to handle life
stressors as they are most certain to come along sooner or later.
Dear leap,
I am so sorry to hear of your sister and description of going outside to catch your breath reminds me of my recent relapse........gambling binge.
I am going to put my money in someone elses control tomorrow as that was most assuredly the reason I went along with the feeling of needing and deserving a relief from the stress of taking care of others lately.
I had three months and I was just beginning to feel that "old" familiar feeling of being alive again, with hope for the future and acceptance of the past and then...............
This is my second time at the relapse and I don't plan on doing number three.
I want my life back and all that it used to be before gambling.....
period.
Maybe you could introduce your sister to our site??
You are so part of my life as well and I thank you deeply for being so.
Happy Gamble free living.
again, congratulations......
P.S. So sorry to hear about your sister. Maybe your resolve to quit can give her some motivation. Just remember it's not your fault taht she slipped.
Sending Bear Hugs! and Lots of Love to you! Cher