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...
Sometimes I read everyone's post. I really wonder if this is a site to place thoughts, needs, desires to quit gambling. What I see is is repetition. If you really want to quit, it is necessary to take the steps to make that happen. Don't get me wrong, I love to gamble but it has totally destroyed me, financially, emotionally, physically and everything in between. I read all the posts and am very sympathetic to everyone but there comes a time when you need to say enough is enough and just stop. What ever it takes to make that happen. I have now been gamble free for 6 1/2 mo. and I can tell you that there is nothing more empowering than having money, paying bills on time and having control of the emotion that grips you for gambling. I have realized that my life, my families lives and everyone in between are so much more important than a blackjack table, slot machine and poker table. I can't say that I will never gamble again but I do feel it will be with much more sensibility than before, hopefully. I do feel like I am cured, I feel like I have a more sensibility when it come to my addiction. I hope all who reads this can find the power and strength to overcome a destructive behavior. Good luck to all. I hope you don't find this offensive, I do not mean it to be. Jackie
Wow, this really struck a nerve for me... I had many of the same feeling you have expressed. One caution right up front- don't feel like you're "cured"- that's a recipe for disaster, waiting for the right set of circumstances. The thing you and ALL of us need to remember is that we are never cured, just need to be all the other wonderful things you've mentioned and above all mindful of our actions.
As far as the sentiment of the post itself, that's what struck a nerve- after a few months I began questioning motives and inspiration. However, I think back to the few times I decided to quit, meant it, but couldn't make it, also thought back to the hundreds of times I said I'm done, or said "what was I thinking?" on the way home... I think we can all relate to that feeling. For some, it can unfortunately be a series of stumbles before the "last" one, for some the first one, everyone has their own line that they refuse to cross. It is my hope that DS provides the mark they're looking for to draw the line, sadly some will not... thankfully, many do.
This site has been a Godsend for me, it's provided a release and opportunity to vent, mark milestones, share the bad and the good. We've been fortunate to have this site, this technology for that matter. I can say, however, that those who rely on this site solely may be not expanding their horizons far enough, or more to point, close enough. Without the support I have with my GA brothers and sisters, I doubt I'd have the resolve to get as far as I have. There's something to be said about both. I personally enjoy the time to reflect on posts and comments and my resulting feelings as opposed to the sometimes "on the spot" feelings I've gotten at GA meetings, however, the human contact, the face to face, is something that simply cannot be diminished. If not GA, those reading this and reading through whatever posts, take the time, if you are indeed ready and share your pain with someone that you can trust in real life, too- that adds a slice of accountability that will add to your recovery.
Be well all,
Jay
I just joined this group to get some support with stopping gambling! I am into this now for about 18 months and I am very close to ruin my own life, personally and financially! The biggest issue I have is the chase on the lost $$! :(
I am married, 2nd child arrived just a week ago. I am sick of lying to my wife and spending the rent on gambling just to try make up some losses.
Hope to find some support here and also be support to others!
Thank you all!
Regards,
Sam
I still want to gamble. I miss it.
I quit because I had to quit because it became incompatible with life. I had to choose between it and life and I chose to live.
Every day that I stay away from that place is a choice I make to live. Some days it's easy. Some days it's not.
I cannot control myself when I gamble. I do not have the ability to tell myself I will only spend X amount. I cannot remember a time that I have done that. There could have been 1 or more times but out of 1000's of times gambling, that is clear that I cannot.
I have had almost 3 months of not gambling in the past. Only to go back and be gambling worse than I was before the 3 mths.
I am glad to see that at the 6+ mth mark, gambling can feel like a distant memory. and not a first impulse.
I am looking forward to reaching that mark... But, for me, I am praying that I clearly remember the feeling I have when I drive from a gaming venue after loosing every cent I have. I really want to remember that hopelessness when I cannot stop gambling. Cause for me that is my reality if I gamble.
Thanks for posting
welcome to Sam