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...
i went to florida, i have to admit it was 1/2 business 1/2 pleasure, i never have taken a vacation that didnt have a casino in it
this one was the first, just disneyworld
i felt like a normal person, i used to look at other people in my travels and wonder if they are hiding something like me, or they are just happy in their life, i dont know why i took the evil route, i dont miss it, i do feel like its a figure standing behind me waiting though, just waiting for me to slip, i picture myself getting in car / driving to c / getting my comp, heart pounding, rushing to my machine, good grief, it disgusts me
but how long does that stay that way? now it seems easy, the struggle is it coming? or can anyone purely say...im done, im like done, i dont care to give the devil the satisfaction anymore,
am i kidding myself?
this one was the first, just disneyworld
i felt like a normal person, i used to look at other people in my travels and wonder if they are hiding something like me, or they are just happy in their life, i dont know why i took the evil route, i dont miss it, i do feel like its a figure standing behind me waiting though, just waiting for me to slip, i picture myself getting in car / driving to c / getting my comp, heart pounding, rushing to my machine, good grief, it disgusts me
but how long does that stay that way? now it seems easy, the struggle is it coming? or can anyone purely say...im done, im like done, i dont care to give the devil the satisfaction anymore,
am i kidding myself?
the opposite of that is to play/gamble whenever we feel like it. right?
so, hang in there, and good for you for making the trip without gambling. that is a winner!
You are not kidding yourself. I remember so clearly the moment that I was "done" - I knew it to my core.
I think recovery is a bit different for all of us. For me, fighting the urge to go back has been the easy part. During those first few crazy weeks, I wondered why, and I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I excluded from all of the casinos in my state, so if the urge does strike, I have a plan in place.
Now, I don't question it as much. I am focusing on rebuilding my life, and filling that void in my life with positive activities. So, if I am struck by an urge at some point in the distant future, I am ready for it.
As sure as I am that I am "done", I am equally sure that I can never, ever gamble responsibly in my life...ever, If I ever find myself in another state where it is available, I will plan accordingly.
Congrats on your progress!
so blessed to have you people in my life!!