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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day 27, but the most difficult...

Cristiana
Cristiana
Well today is day 27 being gf. However, today seems to be the hardest day I've ever had. It is when I feel bored, when I haven't had fun for a while that I really want to go to the casino. I don't have any friends to hang out with or anyone who I really enjoy being with (my husband is a total bore and our marriage is not a marriage anymore). The only positive interactions I have is with my kids - yet that is a challenge in itself. My 12 year old son is a wonderful kid, but he has major issues (autism, attention deficit disorder and OCD) so everyday i work. In addition, my husband does nothing. In fact, my son literally hates him because there is no attachment - never has been. My daughter is the same so they both cling to me everyday and I get so tired. My only relief is the casino. On days when I am free (and they are in school and I don't work) and I haven't gone to the casino for a few weeks is when I feel really tempted to go. Today is the hardest day out of the 27 days. Any support would be appreciated...
ll2live
ll2live
Can you think of, and implement, some ways to get yourself out of your social isolation? I think it could be very helpful to find fun things to do besides gambling. Try something new today. Go to the library? Go to a movie? Go for a long walk? Take a city bus and see where it takes you? Go sit at the mall and people watch? Think outside of the box and shake your life up a bit. That's one way to get out of old patterns. Do anything besides go there. It will always only make things worse!
new55
new55
Cristina - I hope you got through your day of urges. I agree, you need to find a positive way of taking care of you. Too often we spend all of our time taking care of others and forget how to take care of ourselves. Find something enjoyable and inexpensive to do. Let us know how you are doing!
Cherbear2012
Cherbear2012
Hi Christina, The first 90 days are the hardest. It does get better after that. If you have not joined a support group like GA. I highly recommend giving it a try. Joining any other social groups, organizations, or clubs might help you too. Joining a gym is a heck of allot cheaper than going to the casino! I'm thinking of joining one soon. My life is similar to yours in that my husband is a complete couch potato and my son is a drug addict that drives me crazy. Keep reading and posting here and check in every day if you can. It will help you allot! You can do this! Gambling is an escape.... but it leads to Hell! Please don't go back there! Hugs & Love! Cher
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
I have revived hobbies, got new hobbies, rekindled friendships, started doing more self care, met new friends, attend GA or other support group, made play dates with others. I admire your strength to cope with children and non supportive spouse when you need support during this time. It helps me to use this site to fight urges.
itsjustmeagain
itsjustmeagain
this is how our mind works, you have already 100% come to the conclusion that gambling is negative and lends NOTHING to your life, but yet you still see it as a release or a vacation from your life, sort of a medicated state, well its a vicious cycle, we can all tell you GO GO TO THE CASINO who's stopping you? go get your fix, but then you'll look at us like uhhh, because its an evil place that makes me feel worse then i did walking in.

one thing i like about this site, is once someone posts, you often see them almost immediately giving others advice on how to stop, you know you deserve better, stay out of the casino and get on with more positive things.