Just because it is self-inflicted does not make it any easier. In fact, I think that can make it tougher, because we want to pound our foreheads and lash ourselves. 6 months is a goodly run at abstinence. Try to use the relapse as a learning experience, analyze what the triggers were and tighten up the blocks you have in place. Work on developing other interests, hobbies, friends, classes, artwork, volunteer work, anything besides gambling. Maybe take a look with the help of a counselor at why you are inflicting harmful behavior on yourself. Learning to be kind to myself and truly provide self-care was difficult for me after years of neglect, but it was a big turning point that helped me begin to practice meticulous self-care and build self-esteem.

Hi blkjcklady,
Self-infliction seems to be at the core of any addiction; I know no one put a gun to my head. Because gambling is causing you guilt and shame your pain seems to be self-inflicted. There is no cure for complusive gambling, but there is hope for a better life he we choose to abstain. You got some 6 month before you fell off the wagon, and you can do it again. Use the tools you have and try hard to gather more. We're all here for you and you're here for us.
Just for today I will not gamble.

please i have my myself sick so many times, so much money...ugh...

i feel for ya - but 6mths...awesome......do it again

Having a plan and developing other interests is a key component to maintaining a gambling free life. With a very limited budget it was intimidating at first trying to find hobbies or interests I could take up. I tried everything and anything within my budget and found lots of things I liked that are now a regular part of my life. They also provided me with a new outlet into the world and helped me become more social, less anxious and most importantly happy.

Things I found I liked and still to do this day:

Crossfit
Judo
Swimming (local rec. center has a gym and a pool)
Acoustic guitar
Hiking
Volunteering at a local soup kitchen
Gardening (indoor and outdoor)
Journaling
Cooking (using services like Blue Apron, etc.)

Things I didn't like:

Painting
Drawing
Volunteering at an animal shelter (it broke my heart and was giving me a negative attitude toward mankind)
Running
Watching t.v.
Video games
Fishing

It is important to fill the void left behind after we move on from gambling. We all need things to look forward to.

All of these ideas and statements are very helpful and I thank everyone who replied. I definitely know that I need to get involved in activities. I can just lay on the couch with my dog all weekend and in the evenings during the week..... After a while, I want to gamble due to boredom. When I was younger (20s), I used to have lots of activities that I was interested in. Now that I am 40, I just sit around.....

I guess I have to start Living again.....

We are the same age. When I relocated hundreds of miles away from home I found it difficult to make friends. This contributed to my susceptibility to addiction. I was too insecure to venture out and try new things. Gambling helped fill that void. Once I stopped I realized if I didn't fill that void with something positive I would only head down a path of self destruction again. Try everything and anything until you find a niche that gives you something to look forward to.

I'm the same age. It's a hard age. We're at a different point in our lives and trying to find the right hobbies can be a challenge. I still remember when my father-in-law said that I need a hobby because I, in his view, worked too much. I used that comment as an excuse to start gambling again, leading to current financial woes. Fill the time with anything. And I mean anything (including nothing) to avoid gambling. It's easier said than done, but you have to view gambling as a non-option.