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...
So, I am 37 days clean and so far today I haven't placed a bet. But it is so darn hard. Today, I didn't even think of gambling until I left work and stopped for gas. That is when, out of the blue, an urge hit me. I'm tired and I have a terrible cold yet while pumping gas I kept hearing a nagging voice trying to convince me that I should go to the casino. What the??? It's like these urges are haunting me. They come into my mind at any and all times. So far today I have been able to squash the demon but I don't know how long I can keep him at bay. I will be attending my GA meeting tomorrow though so that should help and writing this post should take some of the pressure off but man, when do these urges let up? Any and all advice is welcome and needed.
During my first month of abstinence there was a time where I made it as far as the parking garage in the casino before self control set it. It was tough. I'd come home after work and pace, chain smoke, even watch YouTube videos of slot machines at times. I was riddled with terrible anxiety. But it gets easier. Eventually my head got clearer and I felt like I was in control again. Just stick it out a bit longer. Try not to focus on days or even hours. Just worry about how you'll get through the next 5 minutes, then the 5 minutes after that. Eventually the urges do subside, at least they did for me. You've made awesome progress so far.
I was really bad off. Totally consumed by gambling. I went to the casino before and after work. I know if I can do it, we all can. I believe in you! Stay strong!
just dont listen, and know inside that voice is not on your SIDE
For me it helped to do something else to fill the void. I did Art work of many kinds to relieve the anxiety. (coloring, drawing, molding with play-dough or clay, collages, Chinese calligraphy) Exercise, photography, dancing calling a friend, journaling, learning Spanish on-line, going to the library, making play dates with friends for cribbage and scrabble or coming here. Taking better care of myself in all aspects Physical, Mental, Emotional and Spiritual. All those helped me get to 90 days and to now. I had to resolve to do it every day, a day at a time.
Also kicking any unkind, and unsupportive people out of my inner circle has helped while cultivating a loving community. I have two face to face support groups, I see counselor every other week or so, strive toward visiting D/S everyday in three different support groups here and am blessed to have some other kind and loving people. My finances and some of my life is still in a shambles but I feel so much better today than I have for YEARS.