So sorry about this slip Grammy, Don't turn it into a full blown relapse. You need to make sure your money is safe. You can't trust yourself right now. I have my bank set my ATM daily limit to 20 dollars so it's useless at casino's. So, even if I do enter that casino door, I don't have access to money. That has saved me many times. You really need to set up some good road blocks for your self. Keep coming back here. We care about you Grammy! You can do this! Hugs! Cher

Grammy52: May I give you a suggestion first and that is please either get rid of your ATM card or limit the daily withdraw amount. This is to prevent any relapse in the future. If you do so at least it will not bankrupt you as bad as the casino wanted to.

I didn't know the banks would do that. I feel so embarrassed to have to call the bank for that request. I guess I won't be the first person to do that and probably won't be the last either. I will contact my bank tomorrow. Thanks so much.

Don't be embarrassed Grammy. There is no reason to be. You don't need to tell them why and It's not their business. People do it all the time for many different reasons. I also recommend not having a check book in your purse and no credit cards of course. Like jcwang always says "NO MONEY = NO GAMBLE". This is very true! And it works! Mean while, keep working your program here with us. Read and write. Join in as much as possible. Set your goals, and try writing a journal. It really does help! We are all in this together. There is "strength" in numbers, here on daily strength!

Thanks Cherbear...I will work on the journal soon. I'm glad I found y'all.

Can you self ban from the casino? Please do not be embarrassed about doing whatever it takes to help you stop gambling. Put your pride aside and think about your life.

Dearest Grammy52,
run to the bank OR just call them and have that DAILY LIMIT reduced to something you just need.
no checks or debit with you.

This addiction affects our physical (compulsion) our mental (obsession) and spiritual (self centered) components.

You are isolating yourself which just feeds the addiction. Just makes it easier to destroy yourself. It can get much worse. You need to stop it now. You are asking for help and want it.

You must go to meetings. There you will find people who understand. You will find stories you can relate to and learn what you must do.
It is with the working of the steps of the program (which include realizing your life has become meaningless and taking personal inventory) that you will gain the strength to begin recovery and overcome addiction.
By helping others as you post here and relate their you will also gain a sense of belonging and begin to feel relief from isolation and other personal characteristics to let go of in recovery.

Recovery is
- Abstinence
- Working the program
- Service to others

you must start to do these things.
We are here almost as a 24/7 meeting
but you must continue to WORK IT.
There is no quick fix
but it can be done, it is happening everyday,
right here and at GA mtgs, and you want it
that is why you are asking for suggestions, right ??
Your mind and body is telling you that you no longer
wish to live like this so please
come and join the people who are going through recovery
going through what you are and have been going through
and coming out with a better life than addiction can offer.
you deserve it, we all do.
Addiction is no way to live.
In fact it is the oppostie.

Please keep coming
and post journal entries, for yourself or for others,
you decide the people they go to.
We are always here for you.
God bless you forever.