So leave it alone and recognize you have a big problem. The only way to win is not to play. That simple.

Skip88 is right, it is simple...but that doesn't mean it's easy, especially at first. Going back even when we know it's not what we really want is one of the sure signs that gambling has become a problem instead of harmless entertainment. I hated having to admit that, but without facing it, I never would have gotten started in recovery. Once gambling takes over, our brains don't function like they used to, and common sense goes out the window in favor of chasing the next dopamine high. You are not alone in this, nmohan007. Keep reading the posts on this forum, and you'll find lots of great ideas for getting stopped and staying that way. I learned the hard way over many years that I couldn't stop without blocking access to my money, self-excluding from casinos, getting counseling, going to support groups, and accepting that this fight is for the rest of my life, one day at a time. The Nat'l Council on Problem Gambling can help you find resources in your area: Call 1-800-522-4700; Chat ncpgambling.org/chat; or Text 1-800-522-4700. So glad you're here! Today I will not gamble.

Thanks, skip88 & yes2recovery.

Hi nmohan007,
Welcome to the group.
I sure understand that feeling of not knowing what was going on with me when I obediently feed my addiction.
Planning and plotting to get to a casino, giving in to the ritual because I THOUGHT I could no longer trust myself, was a sickening feeling. Beginning to change the way I THOUGHT about myself gave me strength I didn’t know I had. I’ve capitalized the word thought because today I realize I can change the way I think about myself if I want to. Even if my mind tries to trick me into thinking gambling is a good idea I know I have the power to not act on that thought. I’m learning to trust myself again, one day at a time.
Think about it
Today I will not gamble

you have an addiction, that's whats going on, will power alone wont solve it, try to call into GA meetings or go to your local chapter, saves lives

In many attempts, I used many strategies, some I still use. In the last days of my gambling I recall not wanting to be there but not able to tear myself away. A counselor explained how gambling hijacks the dopamine/serotonin system that is supposed to help us determine and remember where there is good food, shelter, or possible procreation available. Video slots especially were designed with the help of psychologists to make them as addictive as possible.
Essentially the gambling addict is addicted to the chemicals (drugs) that we make in our own bodies. Understanding that did not help all that much frankly.
Staying away helped. Enlisting the help of friends helped. Exercise helped, finding other things to do helped, artwork, rekindle friendships, revisit old hobbies, make new hobbies. Treatment that was actually getting to my issues of abandonment, unresolved grief, self loathing, learning to be kind to myself all helped. Listening to, monitoring and changing my own thoughts (mindfulness) was the most helpful. I learned to catch myself thinking gambling might be a good idea, BEFORE that thought became an urge. I know that my inner gambling addict is always just beyond one shoulder ready to reach out and touch me, I remain vigilant after years of abstinence one day at a time.

I remember when I didn't know I had a gambling problem, but it's all I ever thought about or did. I put it before everything. I thought about it constantly. I mad secret deals with myself , I won't go, or play for a week , or two days or a month. what ever the deal was I couldn't go more than a couple of days without gambling. Sometimes I would just buy a lottery ticket to take the edge off until I could get to a poker game or go to the casino, but I still didn't really know that I had a problem. When my world came crashing down I knew I had a problem. Hopefully you can stop before that happens. Go to the Gamblers anonymous website and answer the 20 questions. Then you will have your answer. Then take action. Read as many posts as you can. There is a lot of good advice on here. For me I had to entrust someone to handle my money, and ban myself from the casino. I suggest a life time ban. I stopped for 19 months and thought I was ok and stopped doing recovery things and I relapsed. It was way worse quitting the second time. I haven't gamed for almost 6 months. Now I know it is a lifetime commitment to be in recovery and to not gamble. One day at a time, That's all we have to commit to. Is don't gamble today. Message me if you need to talk.