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 get so tired when things are finally getting better, and I am trying my best to get things straightened out financially, and then people bring up my debt and how it will be a long time until I am straightened out financially. I feel like I never seem to get any credit for trying to put my life back together. They are always bringing up past mistakes. I know that they are trying to remind me of it, so I don't do it again, but sometimes it is so hard to hear. I know that I messed up! Well, thanks for letting me vent. I hope that things are going well for all of you.
Don't get dismayed my friend, for it is very difficult for others to understand this dismal, debilitating illness. No one could be our own worst critic than we ourselves, trying to figure out the who, what when, where and whys of our behaviors and emotions that led us down the path of destruction.
Perhaps they are of the mindset that their comments will help us sort these things out....by reminding us of what used to be. I honestly believe they are at a loss for what is proper to say. I find myself at times wishing that my family would ask how my recovery is going, to which I would be eager to answer with unreserved forthrightness.
Here's how I try to balance and manage my emotions regarding any awkward conversations regarding my "illness" or addiction:
1. Four days shy of 17 months ago, I looked in the mirror and admitted to myself gambling was a serious problem for me. From each day forward to this present day, I have fought galiently to begin anew to build a better past.
2. Each and every minute & hour of the day that I can look at myself in the mirror and say that I am doing everything in my power to remain gamble free...there is a person looking back at me with a smile, reassuring me that today's choices were wise and of sound reasoning. What a blessing!
3. I now have earned the privelege of deciding how and to what extent other people's comment will impact me. Some days they hit me at the core of my soul....for a compulsive gambler never, ever forgets the road traveled. But, today?
4. I forgive myself! More importantly, I have gained emmense wisdom throughout this arduous, yet wonderfully educational journey! Throughout my life, I have always embraced a "can do"spirit. Call me an eternal optimist, if you will, ... I've been call a hellava lot worse! I
Now that I've been babbling on for more than just a few sentences, my point it this...if you did not gamble today...hold your head up high and celebrate your success! It is , without a shadow of doubt, a HUGE accomplishment. You hold the reigns of your future, despite what others bring up about the past.
Be well, stay strong.....let's do this together...one day at a time.
Love to all,
Tagg
Sue- I hear your pain and I, too, am sensitive to it at this point in my recovery, but you can't change the past, just build a better future and past each day that you stay strong and positive. The past will take care of itself.
Jay
Love,
Sue