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...
Three and one half years ago I was miserable, suicidal, emotionally, mentally, spiritually and financially bankrupt. My life was empty and meaningless. But somehow a tiny part of me realized I wanted to live and I wanted to be done with tears, fears and misery. The gambling treatment program, a great counselor, GA, and many tools and friends helped me to face the mess, deal with the monsters in my closet and gradually, one day at a time begin to feel better. It was not my first attempt at getting away from gambling but it was the one that finally made me put my heart and soul into the fight.
This year, I went on a vacation at Spring break, renting a small RV and taking a friend camping on the coast. I am planning another in August, I saw the total solar eclipse last August traveling to the path of totality by bus with a friend, I saw Paula Poundstone live this year, went to a college football game and have made new friends.
I have far too good of a life now, to risk it by opening that door to the casino - far better and more interesting doors to open.
Take care of yourselves today my friends, don't give up, it's worth it.
G_O:, I love my life now, but I do not consider myself a winner. I am a survivor. I try, not always successfully, to quit using language that implies gambling or chance. It has taken most of three years for me to quit saying, "you bet" , "you betcha", "I bet" , talking about odds for people doing things, or calling myself or others losers, or winners, just to stop subscribing to gambling culture.