I have done many thrilling things in my life, like white water rafting, hot air balloon ride, wilderness camping. But as I age, I am 60, I am not so hot on things that are thrilling anymore.
I wanted at first to replicate the thrills I had gotten gotten gambling - like the "almost" big jackpot. Watching the jackpot icons come up one at a time and getting 6 out of 7 of them is almost as thrilling as winning. Sadly, gambling makes most other things pale for excitement. For me I have to find the calmest, least stressful, most true path for myself and my recovery every day. And to be safe, keep "thrilling" for a once a year big event. Artwork and meditation is what I turn to when I feel like I'm crawling out of my skin.
I find thrills of adrenaline are similar to pumping the dopamine around my brain. But I do need variety. I try to do something I haven't done or go somewhere I have not been at least once a month. I try to do things I have not done in years once a month. I work at being present, kind, and open to new friendships. I don't mind not being thrilled all the time, I am ultimately happier by wanting peace and calm and wanting less.
How about a trip to Paris next year? That would be thrilling - and if you are like me, I could have paid for a trip for 4 to Paris three or four times over with the $ I gave the casino/lottery. Or after you heal from surgery, maybe it is time to parachute, (though I never understand why any one would want to jump out of a perfectly good aeroplane) or time to learn to hang glide.

Hey nancyzoman.
I am praying all turns out great tomorrow with your surgery.

I must have been a hyper child, because I am a hyper adult. I just have to be busy. I am trying to think of the excitement that the casino gave me. To tell the truth, I can't at this moment think of anything exciting that the casino gave me, it was more like dread, hopelessness, broken, loneliness, isolation and not wanting to live.
If gambling made you feel any of these thing, don't confuses this with excitement. I am learning to set quietly, be at peace with me and not run to excitement.
I got a gym membership and I use it. I started a class and have to think really hard, so no way could I occupy my brain with visions of wheals turning around and around. My brain is learning new things.

I thought gambling was exciting until I abstained long enough to put it into perspective. It's actually quite boring. Standing/sitting around, waiting for the result of a spin or roll, what's so adventurous about that? Get out and start exploring. Go hiking, plan a trip or take up a new hobby. I got into playing the acoustic guitar a few months ago. It was an inexpensive thing to pick up that's extremely satisfying for me. I find the routine of practice to be very satisfying and stress relieving. Working out helps as well. Have you tried cross fit? I am doing that now and it's very challenging. I find that filling my life with positive, fulfilling activities has greatly minimized the urge to gamble and the magical thoughts that surround gambling. Try taking on some things that provide with a challenge. You'll find as you reach new milestones in that activities the gratification you get from those accomplishments will be much more rewarding than a good night at the casino. Hope your surgery went well!

IF I would not have self ban myself last week I could not have sat through an 40 hour class this week. It was so exciting to have my brain in full activation mode.
I had no time to think of going to the casino, I would not allow my self to do that, I would get arrested. It was so fun passing along information and receiving information. Now that is exciting.
Highlimits is right, the last time I went to play, it was so boring.
This week, was exciting. So happy I have made the adjustment in my life. Whew.

Thank you!

I've been thinking about writing again -- I used to write a lot when I was younger -- so maybe I will do that instead.

Maybe I should try something new -- the suggestions about traveling and playing an instrument sound thrilling, though I haven't traveled for years alone without gambling.

I've also been thinking a lot about playing games that aren't gambling-related. The other day I went to Dave and Buster's when the urge to gamble seemed unbearable, I spent about $40, and I had fun for about three hours and got a little escape. I would imagine this isn't the healthiest escape if done too often, but a little arcade action and skeeball picked up my mood and didn't cost me what blackjack and craps would have, so I'll give myself a pass on that.