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...
The week of Jan. 14th I bottomed out. I lost a fair amount of money, but I also lost control. With therapy I have been able to stop. I don't miss gambling. The ticket and gaming is ignored. I have not gambled online since Jan. 17th, which means I am gambling free for 39 days. I have had the same lotto ticket in my wallet from Jan. 22nd and I really don't care about if it is a winner or a loser. Casinos Cons outweigh the pros by far. A friend who likes to gamble talks about the Casino, and I tell him how depressing it is. I also speak of the 3 seconds of dopamine that occurs non-stop at the slot/crack/machines. These assholes that design these gaming terminals are playing humans like rats in a cage. These terminals feed the pleasure part of our brains at the expense of our lives. I hope and pray for all of you to beat this addiction. I continue therapy, I burn bridges from enablers, and I continue to tell friends and family, and co-workers that I am not gambling anymore and that I have no control when I do. The honesty is back and so liberating. Resisting gambling is a nice high as well, if that is what you are into. Today you have control, you have a choice, and you have support here. I am open to helping people pro-bono professionally, because I am a therapist. I considered GA, but haven't done so. I think it can be a good support for those who feel alone. Some medications like Wellbutrin are used for impulse control and addictions, that may be an avenue for you. The bottom line is your recovery is unlikely to happen by yourself, you need supports, and you need to be honest and dedicated to treatment. You can start today, because 39 days ago I was a mess and felt like I couldn't quit, but I have and I am so free and unconcerned about gambling. Believe in yourself and Kick Ass. -MB
Thank you for your post. As I sit here back at Day 1, feeling down and disappointed, I am also feeling a sense that I may NOT be able to kick this thing.
After reading your post, it gives me hope. I would like to do it drug free, if possible.
I am going to go back to GA for council because I need someone to keep me on the straight and narrow. I do appreciate knowing that you are here for support. If you feel you need someone to talk to..I am here too :) Im a good listener as well.
Many Blessings
I do help people all the time. It does make me feel good.
I take care of my husband and kids. I do a lot for them..a lot of nurturing. I have been trying to get back into exercising to get in a better frame of mind. I worked really hard at it last week.
I just felt "tapped out" last night.
I have my own business and work on the side with sick people. Some very sick people. Every day I'm with them, it reminds me of how short life is.
So, while my husband is off doing his thing, and my kids are doing their things..I feel lonely. Its tough for me to relax. I like to keep busy. I have lost some friends due to busy time driving the kids everywhere to their things. Now they are grown up and I have lost touch with my interests. Some days I feel taken for granted. "Mom" will take care of it.
Im hoping I don't sound like I'm whining. I am just explaining what my triggers are.
Thanks for listening.
That was such a wonderful and inspiring post. I am with you, and thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.
Two years and counting for me, myself and I.
I am so very proud of me and so very grateful to all of my brothers and sisters here at Daily Strength for their support and kindness. It truly has meant the very world to me.
xoxoxoxoxoxox
mamabear21