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...
Stopping gambling by far was the hardest thing I ever had to do in my life. I thought that the only way out of that hell hole of a lifestyle was prison or suicide! I never expected to be freed by hope, determination and by friendship. The total opposite of what gambling had to offer. I was surprised to see the extent of my strength, strength that I found here at DS! My husband got a fairly decent bonus check, and boy was I determined to go gamble tonight! Planning on ways to be alone with hubby and we both sneak off to casino! We had the money, we had opportunity!! I felt myself slowly sinking in the quick sand of my own thoughts, I was 30 minutes away from allowing myself to submit to this addiction!! I got scared and knew I had minutes to get help, to reach out and thank god I did!!! I had no idea what the power of reaching out for help holds, and the power of friendship!! God I have a lot to learn about the good things in life! I made it thru this night!! And now my 41 days can turn into 42!!! Thank you for taking the time to read this!
So hard, when you have the trifecta -time, opportunity and money.
I had the same deal, plus a really crappy week. But, we use all the tools in our toolboxes and live to live another gamble free day.
Love and hugs, Estel
Love
Lisa
Take the time to think of your actions and determine to make the most of your day and not sit in front of some stupid slot machine or poker dealer or whatever floats your boat- enjoy the new life that you are embarking upon!
Congrats, with love,
jay
Thank you for being a great example to us,
sg
But I know it cannot be that way anymore. I told my brother the other night, that If I got the urge to "go have some fun", he would be the first person I call, before ever stepping foot in the joint.
Atticus and I also made a pact. If either one of us decided we were going to "treat ourself" by going to the casino, that person would have to wait until the other one hopped on a plane and flew to the opposite coast, so we could walk in the casino doors together....side by side!
Friendships, particularly with people that completely understand what we are dealing with, are priceless as we fight this battle day by day. It pays to reach out, forget your pride, and scream. "Help me, please-I don't want to do what I'm about to do!"
Love and warm hugs to you, my friend......be proud of where you are going, because we are headed there with you.....side by side!
Always, Tagg