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...
Today was another gamble free day. Have had some rough days but have made it through. Definitely do not miss the horrible feelings I had after my gambling adventures. Have started some home improvements projects on the house. That will definitely keep me busy for a while. It feels good to be doing something good and productive for a change. It just feels good period to feel something good. I just shut down feeling much of anything while I was in the gambling mode. When I did feel something it was generally guilt, remorse and hate for myself. It is amazing the things you start thinking about and appreciating when your daily focus isn't gambling. This is a good thing and I only hope it gets better as time goes on. Just wanted to share this today.
This is why I practice with using hobbies, social connections, meditation, affirmations, gratitude, and prayer on good days, so that I can easily use them on the bad days.
At this point in my recovery the rough days are fewer and farther apart. I recall every day being ROUGH for the last two years of my active gambling, full of guilt, self-hatred, anxiety, anger and hopelessness.
Today I have regained some self-esteem, the anxiety attacks went away in about 4 months, I have an active social circle, hobbies I enjoy, I am taking better care of myself and I have a community, a spiritual connection and hope again.
Sending good thoughts your way, keep on keeping on.