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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smokeygirl 03/17/2008

Today was a set-back in my progress, but it could have been a lot worse.. even so, I feel bad. I felt like I had to do something so I decided to go to a Bingo game in our town...However, I got there about 5 minutes after the registration time and the person in charge said that I was past the deadline for signing up . . .Anyway, I was frustrated because I thought Bingo, even though it is considered gambling, is pretty harmless since you spend a set amount, etc. win or lose. Well from there I went to a casino . . . the car just seemed to go there. :] no excuses. I had a small amt of cash and I played all of the favorite machines that I like. I was up a little bit but of course walked out with nothing. It was sort of a test for me to see if somehow I could gamble responsibly. And I did find out that the same feelings emerge when I am in that environment. The only good thing about it was that I didn't have my ATM card! I could have sought out other ways to get cash but didn't - - -I left. So.. I feel a little bad, but three months ago I would not have left..I know I am a little bit annoyed with my husband since he has been away a lot and the weekends are hard sometimes... I'm feeling like there are times he puts his hobby and other people ahead of me and just spending time together. We've been married forever and
I'm really not complaining, but the time we are apart makes me want to gamble!!!!!!
Thanks for letting me vent.

deleted_user 03/17/2008

hey smokeygirl,how u feeling now? i kind of understand how u feel, my boyfriend lives in another state from me and we only see each other every now and again, so its hard when we r not together..and the lonliness and too much free time drives u back to old very BAD habits :P maybe u could try finding other hobbies such as sport or catching up with your friends and doing new things? keep your weekends busy and stay positive! hope u feel better and stay away from that very horrible monster otherwise known as gambling. :)

smokeygirl 03/17/2008

Thanks, Kristina. I appreciate your response - you are right, new habits!! I'm feeling better already - I have to put it behind me and get on with recovering.
The best to you... smokeygirl

deleted_user 03/17/2008

yep the same symptoms .Control ,I,m ok
Hope you leave it behind .There is no contol .
Dont go there .Hugs

REG

deleted_user 03/17/2008

It happens.. that is why we are in recovery... You cannot beat yourself up, you just need to move on and learn from the experience... Focus on today, not yesterday.. Today is a new day for a new you!

smokeygirl 03/17/2008

Yes - thank you.. The funny thing is I really wasn't having a good time.:] NO MORE!!

deleted_user 03/17/2008

Just leaving, that is an accomplishment in itself. Weekends are tough for me too. I would gamble on sports and play onine casino mostly on the weekends. I also gambled when my wife was out of town. She would visit her mother and father quite frequently and I would just slip off into the office at home and gamble.

Now you know that you can't ever go back, so use this as a starting point in your journey. Maybe begin a goal of not gambling for a week today, or just maybe a day today. Just suggestions that have worked for me.
chris

deleted_user 03/17/2008

My husband choosing to spend time in other areas was how I started gambling. It was a way to fill my time and then got to the point where I enjoyed it more than the times we did spend together. That's how I know my compulsive gambling was a symptom of a greater loneliness and feelings of being lost. Not to suggest that it's the same for you, but I think realizing that casino environments spread feelings of goodness - there's lots of activity, lots of lights, colors, sounds, people having fun, and chances to change your life in one spin. Going there could be an escape from loneliness at home. Find a hobby you enjoy just for yourself that doesn't include gambling. You may find that adds a new element of intrigue to your marriage - something new to find out about each other. Best.

deleted_user 03/17/2008

I think we learn from our mistakes. This is such a hard addiction to beat! Its like it has a hold on you and won't let go. I found when I was activily gambling I used it as an escape from my life. When I should have been facing my life I choose to run away to a casino. I know now that I will not put anything in my path that will cause me to loose site of my recovery. Be it scratch tickets, bingo, or any form of gambling. But thats just me. I know such things trigger gambling. Not good! You are fine and back on recovery road, maybe a lesson in the right direction, your recovery! Hugs Laura

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