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...
This is day 20 for me. I am much more aware of things and trying to stay in the moment. I am starting to get lonely because I spend so much time at home alone.
Most days when I was gambling I was getting out and socializing, sort of, as much as gamblers socialize. I have never had a lot of hobbies but I have to find some new activities to help pass the time and spend time with people.
I am not a member of a church and have retired from work. Any suggestions on how to deal with all the extra time.
Most days when I was gambling I was getting out and socializing, sort of, as much as gamblers socialize. I have never had a lot of hobbies but I have to find some new activities to help pass the time and spend time with people.
I am not a member of a church and have retired from work. Any suggestions on how to deal with all the extra time.
have you thought about volunteering? I know one group of lonely people: some people in the nursing home. some can barely eat, and have no one to help feed them, and the staff is so shorthanded... and sometimes their family members live out of town.
most libraries love volunteers, too. you could check that out. I'm looking forward to the day I can retire, and do some special things like that.
Stop had some good ideas...also, if you like to read, the library usually has book clubs where you along with other people read the same book then get together to discuss the book...good way to meet new people. Or, how about bowling? Lots of times there are singles leagues and that would be a good way to meet new people too. How about doing crafts? There are all kinds of paper crafts/scrapbooking, sewing, knitting, etc. Just a small craft project would lift your spirits and it's fun to shop at JoAnn's or Michaels craft stores...they have great ideas. How about photography? You could take photos of wildlife, plants, landscapes and use them to decorate or make a scrapbook of favorite things.
Something simpler is puzzles. I really like to get a good jigsaw puzzle and it takes a lot of time...could boredom buster. Or, word search puzzle books or Sudoku? Maybe try a yoga class? Swim at your local YMCA?
It all depends on your interests. Keep trying different things until you find something you like.
Hugs,
Cathy
There is also a nationwide web site called "meetup.com" anyone can start a group to meet one time or regularly. My town has groups that are book clubs, groups that walk, groups that bicycle, groups that hike and groups that are learning Spanish and Salsa dancing. See if there are any groups in your area that interest you, if not, you can start one.
I revived a couple of my long ignored friendships and I strive to 2 x month I play SCRABBLE with one, 2X a month I play cribbage with another and 1-2 x month I hike with another friend.
Going to GA or other support group 1-2 x week helps me as well. My support group usually has a social outing 1-2 X per month. (They go to a movie or have an art project day.)
It was not easy, but I knew I had to work hard at making new social
outlets, and it can be done.
I hope this was helpful.
Day 24 and going strong.
I have to admit I dropped into the casino the other night but did not play. I told the regulars I had quit playing. A couple were happy for me but most didn't care. I guess people you gamble with aren't really friends.
I didn't stay very long. I realized people gambling are really not interested in conversation.