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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nancyzoman 07/08/2015

Made it two weeks!

I probably shouldn't make an entire new thread for this, but I'm elated. Two weeks!

Update:
*Sleeplessness -- Gone from falling asleep at 5 AM to 2 AM, so that's an improvement. Managed to get up at 7 AM for the first time today!

*Irritability -- Still up there. Trying hard not to substitute in other addictions, like food or alcohol.

justme717 07/08/2015

Well done!

Qwit4Good 07/08/2015

Good job! Exercise helps replace some of the dopamine you are missing and relieves anxiety and helps you sleep better. Start easy, maybe a ten minute walk. (Exercise can become an addiction too so just moderate exercise is enough to help.)
Artwork or anything creative helps with anxiety and irritability.

highlimit 07/08/2015

You will find that as time goes on it's get easier and and easier. For me it took about a month before the anxiety really subsided. I am creeping up on 8 months of abstinence here in a few weeks and my days as a gambler seem like a distant memory. I am now focused on myself and all the positive changes I have made. Even though this path has certainly been a rocky one my worst days in abstinence are far superior to the daily grind of a gambler. Stay focused on your goals and believe in yourself. You are stronger than this addiction!

amerprin 07/08/2015

Congratulations! Keep up the great work!

icoi 07/08/2015

That's amazing! I'm at 5 days and can't wait to be at 14, lol. That's really awesome, congrats!

donice57 07/08/2015

Yes...you "deserve" another thread to congratulate yourself. and allow others to share in your success....this journey that we are on is treacherous....Every day is a milestone....I just realized I am right bdhind you ...day 14 tomorrow...

nancyzoman 07/09/2015

@donice57 - Congrats!

I'm finally starting to see some light through the clouds. I woke up this morning feeling semi-excited about the day (and not excited because I was heading to a casino first thing) for the first time in years.

Very therapeutic and reassuring. If I can do it, anyone can!

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