it does get easier. I"m proof of that. I gambled for 14 years, and finally made the decision to stop Feb 28 of this year.

Like you, I tried to stop off and on for a few years. Not sure what is different this time except I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired at the casino.

I turned over my money to a sister.
Got into some GA counseling.
Post on this site daily
Research about gambling addiction.
Listen and learn from others who have tried and succeeded at recovery.
I actually wrote out a prevention plan for myself. and the main thing was to have something to do on my paydays.

am I fixed? nope. just trying one day at a time.

you have to believe that you can stop gambling.
we all have to have a strong desire to stop gambling.

hope this helped a little. please keep in touch. others will share their ideas, too. I just happened to be scrolling and saw your post.

thanks, i went today on my extended lunch hour, knowing the comp is there is killing me and getting me there

i want to come back and make great friends

Hi, I have to tell you that those darn comps kept me going back for over 2 and 1/2 years after I left treatment. It wasn't until they finally cut me off that I found the strength to cut them off. Even though I was gambling less, I had episodes of total crazy out of control gambling and I was wasting my life and my time every week with my obesesion with gambling. Now, I'm really feeling good. I have tons of stress in my life and I know I would be gambling like a maniac if I did not finally put my foot down. There is a telephone G.A. meeting every Wednesday. I highly recomend that you try it. It really helps to hear the voices of real people and be a part of a group of people who want to quit gambling and get their lives back on track. I will post it again to the top to remind anybody who wants to join in. It lasts 1&1/2 hours and its very well run. It's not a toll free call but its really a great meeting. You may want to check out Gam-Anon too. I think they have chat there too. There is also a site called Safe Harbor. It's a great site to read or write and I think there is chat there too. So,.. what I think will help you is to do what ever you can to help yourself. Read, post, chat, journal, get a GA councilor and give G.A. a try because it really does help. Most of all, don't ever give up! Keep trying and don't gamble! Take it one day at a time! You can do it! Hugs & Love! Keep coming back! It works! Cher

I am one of those people does not believe GA is the only way to recover. However, I encourage you to do 12 steps. It is not easy but if you can hang in there it does get easier and the reward is tremendous.

As you already know, no comps are worth what you need to put in to get them. Dont let your brain fool you on those comps. Believe me, I've gambled 25 years and on the high roller tables. I even took the whole family on a cruise for 4 nights on comps after winning a huge amount. It wasn't worth it because I gave back the double amount within a month after that trip.

I look back at those days now and I am shamed and regret my manipulation. I could have taken my family for a cruise at least 5 times for the money I gave to the casino.

It's your time to make your own choice. Gamble and get those comps or not gamble and pay for the things you enjoy.

Keep coming back here and share how you are doing. It helps you and helps everyone here.

love,
victoria

thank you so much, today is the (100th) day one yet again, i can not shake the sick feeling, but i use it as a comfort as well, if it goes away, i feel ok to gamble, its a catch 22, i cant live in fear, but fear is my only defense to keep this under control

someone wrote about the inside of their brain screaming, i feel that as well, its like a nightmare, how the F did i get here, i know there is worse out there and my god do i feel for everyone, god help me i just need to get through this long 3 day weekend, which i have been asked to go to Atlantic City.......uggghhhh....i wont i wont i wont i wont!!!

I hope you will be strong enough to say NO to whoever is asking you to go. I would let them know what you are trying to do and wish them a good trip. You can do it. Don't put yourself into this same position again.

its actually depressing when i gamble, unless i have some drinks, but JJJJJJEEEEEZZZUS is that the worst the next day waking up, hangover and broke, and i have to act like IM OK, its absolute torture, so i picture going to AC, feeling confident/happy/drunk, fast forward, death horror torture anguish......maddness, i cant do it again, I'll have a nervous breakdown for sure

May I add, that if you really need a reason to stop, read your post. You are a single mom. You are a mom, your kids need you, so, do it, if not for you, for them.

i respect that answer, but kids have never been a deterrent for me before, sad to say that its not my motivator, what i can only come up with is my peace of mind. im not strong enough to get thru another binge, that puts the fear of god in me

You are on the right track. In order to be on recovery you need to be very selfish in some ways. You cannot do it for anybody else but you. Once you fix it for yourself then all other things fall in place like it should, family, kids, work etc. Peace to yourself!

Love,
Victoria