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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Do you believe in 2nd chances?

jmnewco
jmnewco
Today is day 6 of no gambling. My first official day of no online sports betting or going to casinos began on November 26, 2012. I owed a lot of money to a few people and in a deep financial hole. I am a finance major so I can create a budget to get me in line. I wish I could say the same thing with the lost nerves and confidence from gambling. That will take awhile to regain!

I want to stay positive with this post. I received a 2nd chance with life. I had a job offer two days after I quit gambling with a sign on bonus that will cover what I owe everyone and will offer me an opportunity to reinvent myself! I know this must be God's way of reassuring me I made a great choice of quitting my addiction.

I just wanted to say to everyone--stay postitive, stay strong, stay motivated to make that permanent life change. OPPORTUNITIES WILL COME ALONG!!
Vicky39
Vicky39
jmnewco, personally - Thank You!
You made me feel hopefull and made my day by posting your sharing today!
I am not gambling for last 2 months, but see very very small changes in my situation (which is not that encouraging, but could be worse) and also feel like besides money, actually more than money - I lost a lot of opportunities and there is not much to look forward for.
I gambled my prime time in my life from 28 to 39 years old. What expects me... Nothing... But your post definitely brightened my day!
Thank You again!
Vicky
jmnewco
jmnewco
Thank you for the post Vicky, if you don't mind I would like to say a couple things regarding your post.
First of all 2 months gamble free is amazing!!!!!!!!!! Please remember this!
Second, It is hard to see significant changes in two months when you make such a big decision that directly effects your finances. I have decided my way of "paying it forward" or finding a new hobby is helping friends and family with budgeting and free financial advice. I have been taught an early life lesson regarding the importance of decisions and impacts especially the financial decisions. In order for you to see big changes will take time, I PROMISE you that by not gambling you will see positive changes!!

If you have any questions with budgeting, I would be more than happy to try to assist!
tagg20
tagg20
Congratulations Jmn, on several fronts! First, that first big step you took 6 days ago-it'll be the best first step of your life, have no doubt.

Secondly, your new job! I too, marvel in the way that God works and bestows His grace upon us. Since beginning my journey back in April, there have been countless instances, both in my life and others, we're I've seen His handiwork in action. No doubt, He's been working tirelessly all along, but the thick fog of this ruthless addiction had me surrounded, unable to see anything.

Third, your beautiful, real-life avatar. If you're ever stumbling around, looking for lost pieces of your spirit and soul while on your journey to be gamble free, if you're ever to question what your lot in life wil be, all you have to do is look at that sweet, cutie-patootie face sitting right in front of you-you will, indeed, find your answer!

God has graced you with the best gift of all... a son who already understands the meaning of what unconditional love feels like. God gives that to us every single day, and it is our duty and resolve to treasure His gifts-for they are all priceless.

Well wishes for a safe journey, and please do us the honor of posting regularly....your positive spirit is refreshing and uplifting.

Warm regards, Tagg


up to you for guidance and strength!
jmnewco
jmnewco
Thank you for the reply tagg! You are right on the spot. A positive attitude is the best counter to the low feeling that this addiction often brings. Always look forward to the next day, surround yourself with people that make you feel good, and most importantly remember EVERYONE has a purpose on this world. It will come to light when we least expect it.
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!
atticus63
atticus63
JM, This is so great! I do believe in 2nd chances, and 3rd chances and 200th chances. Whatever it takes. I think it is incredible that you got that bonus AFTER you quit gambling. A similar thing happened to me, but it was an oversight, as I did not receive the step raise that had been due me. If I had gotten that when I was gambling, it would have been going, going, gone. Instead I was able to pay off my sister and my girlfriend, 1300 that would have taken me a few months to pay off otherwise. I firmly believe this was a gift from God. I remind myself when those urges rear their ugly heads, do not throw away God's gift. Thanks for the great post JM, and congratulations on your gamble-free days!