it sounds so familiar, i think what is going on is now that you are not escape gambling, you are noticing all the things you ran from and blocked out before. i had the same feelings at first, i just realized that i just needed to learn better coping skills in order to deal with them, sorry i dont have better answers for how to cope better, thats something im still struggling with. i would suggest putting up road blocks, since you know money is coming in and the temptation is going to be there, talk to family members about this, have someone go with you to get your check, anything but already have a plan in tact to beat the temptation before it gets here. it will get easier, it just takes practice. for so long we have practiced devious ways to sneak off and gamble now we have to practice good ways to stay out of trouble. anyway im glad you reached out, it shows determination to stay on track, with determination you can beat this. god bless and keep coming back

Hi Alex - I suggest the movie theater. It's dark and there are people around you just like the casino but instead of bells and whistles there's music, hollywood stars and other sound effects. Where else can you go for 2 hrs. of excitement for 10 bucks?

I've also committed myself to visiting family I haven't seen for awhile, scheduled walks with friends and gone to the library. I also have become a couponer cutting out coupons and planning trips to the grocery store to see how much I could save...making it like a game.

Otherwise, just look at the downside if you didn't pay your bills and lost the money gambling. That would be craptastic morning when Monday rolled around and you would be looking back at this post.

I do wish you "luck" in staying away. You can do it!!!!

Hey Bro,

I can completely identify with what you are feeling right now. I am the ultimate escape gambler when I am actively in my addiction. The only way I can beat the temptation to escape is to think everything through til the end. I am also dealing with job stresses, family, financial, etc. The thing we have to keep in mind is that going to the casino or the track isn't going to change anything. When the fun is had and all the money is gone the same problems will be waiting for you at home.

The only way to alleviate the pressure permanently is to work on making these issues more manageable. We have to learn to cope with life on life's terms. Both Bugs and Mercury have given very sound advice. Play it through to the end. I always hate waking up on Monday morning broke as a joke and a whole world of misery waiting outside the door. Resist the urge and you can go into Monday morning prepared to handle these issues and relax a bit.

Good luck. We are here.

awe get yourself about a 2lb rib eye steak instead of gambling. yup grill that baby up with a mountain of sauted mushrooms and oinions and you'll be way to full to even wanna make your next step to that casino.

I think we all need our 'me time' every now and then, you just gotta work out your own (that doesn't involve gambling).

For me, I like to unwind by going to the gym, or driving to the ocean side and just sitting there listening to the water.

I'm sure you can find something enjoyable if you put your mind to it :)

thanks everyone!! some great support and ideas :) Dewit I love the steak idea! I do enjoy cooking a good meal, its very stress relieving and a great reward when its time to eat.

I actually had a memo on my phone which you reminded me of Toey, called Favourite Things - its a list of all the things I love to do which I never seem to have time for, but if I feel the urge to gamble its supposed to be the list for me to find something better to do - I had forgotten all about it!!

I am on day 21 now and feeling much better today, I did go to the gym with a friend yesterday and had a very good workout. So now to tackle some of the things that are causing me stress and then use my list of Favourite things when I need a god break to take my mind off it. Thanks guys!!!

That's awesome, Alex! I know the feeling...all the time, $$ and energy I have wasted the past 15 years makes me sick...but as more time is going by, and my last casino day is getting farther away, I am feeling more like a human being. I hated those desperate days of feeling like the biggest loser in the world for hurting and deceiving my husband, my best friend in the world. I can't live like that anymore. I want my life back and getting gambling out of it is the only way that can happen. . I'm so happy you found other things to get into and get your mind off gambling. Good luck to you! I'm here if you ever need to talk... :)

hell theres all sorts of cool stuff happenng out there this tme of year. festivals, parks, church picnics with a great bowl of booyah and a cold one to boot. lol water parks, bike rides, or a nice walk in the rain when its hot. guess just check out your local paper for events and make plans to go out there and do it. oh dont forget about them farmers markets either, good food and fun just walking em and seeing what they got to offer.