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...

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TRuss81 04/20/2017

So I really wanted to come on here and say that it was day 6 and I'm holding on, but I'm not and I haven't. I gambled yesterday and since I keep my consistent gambling from everyone, my spouse, my kids, friends and not even my gambling counselor knows the extent, I am choosing to be transparent here. I need a safe place and space, I guess I fear that judgement lives everywhere... I know I also have to stop judging myself and beating myself up about it, but how can I? It's me who can't stop...

itsjustmeagain 04/20/2017

i feel ya, more than you know...its a trigger in our brain - sometimes we can avoid it ...and sometimes we can't

i have been hijacked over and over and was OK with it...like this time is diff, you will be ok, and even if your not go have fun, be normal enjoy....i do admit its hard after, sometimes NOT bad, sometimes excrutiating...i wonder why this happened to me, why do i have to deal w/this, and then i stopped asking why, and just lived thru the question to find the answer, over and over i try and i push i change a little bit more everyday to stop me from going back out and if i go ...i go....and if i dont im better for it....there is so much swirling around my mind about it, its exhausting, so i walk/church/work/play/garden/read read read read/relax, and maybe if im lucky (if i can use that word) they day has passed and i made another gamble free day

just NEVER give up....giving up....

Robin-Mc 04/20/2017

I joined DS 2/11/2017, actually, I re-joined DS on 2/11/2017, I was on here a long time ago, maybe 8 yrs ago, I'm not real good with dates. I went back out there and gambled on 2/23/2017, I can remember that date because it's my brother's birthday, I was so ashamed of myself that I almost didn't come back here, but I did. And now you have, too. Day 1 for you. I know how awful it feels to start over again, but you're doing it. All time spent not gambling is spent in recovery, and recovery is tough. I have to keep checking on my mind and heart to make sure I'm not slipping into any dark places, I have to face fears I haven't wanted to face for a long time, things about myself I don't like, too. Gambling can't help me with any of my fears, gambling can't help me with anything. I've faced this truth, I know gambling can only hurt me and prevent me from enjoying my recovery. Because, although recovery can be tough, it's also very rewarding.
I'm glad you're still here. Hold your head up and start counting those days again, friend.

Dee1969 04/21/2017

Today I gambled! And it made me feel sick. I decided to Ban myself and was walking towards the desk, which is by the front door, I almost walked right by and out the door, then I saw this face at the desk, loving and kind. I walked up to her and told her I wanted to Ban myself. Security was quiet but kind and after it was all done, the gentleman shook my hand, and said, Im proud of you! Next time you gamble, think about walking to the service desk to Ban yourself, you will be glad you did! Stay strong, you can do this.

TRuss81 04/21/2017

Dee, I really have thought about it, but couldn't push myself to do it. To be honest, it's because I'm afraid of how they will look at me, what they will think about me, like it really matters. I know that's so stupid, but I can't stop thinking that way. And what makes it more ridiculous, they, especially the workers prob know you have a problem because you're always there. I'm on day 2 again, but if I break down and go again, I will do it... Stupid pride and arrogance...

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