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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I need help

kssnewlife
kssnewlife

Yesterday I woke up early morning with a lot of anxiety.  I knew I wanted to go gambling but didn’t.  Today I have that same urge especially after realizing I got paid today.  A family friend called me and she loves gambling.  She did not ask me to drive her but I know this was the reason for her call.  The sad part about the call is that I told the friend I wanted more out of life,  I have an addiction and will not be going back to any casinos.  Still she called not to check on me but to figure out what plans I have today.  Maybe she doe not think I am serious but I am.  Today I need help to not go gambling.  I am using some of my tools to keep me focused on doing the right thing.

yes2recovery
yes2recovery
Good for you for telling your friend about your decision and staying strong. It's hard when others don't fully understand. Keep posting, go to a meeting, call the helpline, write in your journal, give your ID and/or money to a friend to hold for you until the anxiety passes...take whatever steps you have to as long as it keeps you from going back out. Try to remember that the urges will pass, even though it doesn't feel like it right now. Sending you strength!
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
It would be a good idea to make a plan for these early days that help you stay out of the casino. Planning picnics, going to art museums, or doing artwork at home can all help keep you busy without spending much. Joining a gym or volunteering during the hour(s) that you used to gamble can all help. Start a new hobby, or revive an old one. Make homemade cards to send to those you appreciate, to let them know. Join a meetup.com group or start one. Make plans to spend face to face time with your favorite people. Be kind to yourself, as you would to a friend going through this hard stuff. The most important part is to stay abstinent from gambling, any way you can. Hugs.
assisi147
assisi147
Hello!...oh yes!...I fully understand your feeling and thoughts at this moment.....Last week I did go to that evil smoky place called casino after I was clean and happy for a while( I don't exactly remember how many months)....but anyway you did read my post and reply to me....THE RESULT OF THAT GAMBLING DAY WAS UGLY.....as soon as walked those casino doors the monster that was waiting inside me took over my mind and body and left after I was....BROKE...PARALYZE WITH SHAME AND ANGER...AND DRIVING HOME PREPARING MY NEXT LIES TO JUSTIFY MY IRRESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR( but this time I decided not to lie).....Today I'm 4 days GF.....My suggestion to you is....when you wake up every morning....think and meditate vividly about your worse gambling days....when you left the casino.....BROKE...DESPERATE AND DEPRESS because of your action and ask yourself if is really worth it....and then picture yourself being Gambling free...in control of your money and finances....happier....SO GOOD JOB KSSFORLIFE FOR NOT GOING AND TELL YOUR FRIEND THAT YOU DON'T BELIEVE IN THAT GAMBLING LIE ANYMORE...Love you all!!
Robin-Mc
Robin-Mc
The “sad” part of your call was actually the brave part of your call. You spoke your truth. I know how awkward it can feel to expose our addiction to others, for me it’s usually met with confusion and denial, even a little embarrassment. I . seriously cannot expect anyone who hasn’t experienced this particular addiction to be able to understand. For me it’s unlike any other addiction I have experienced. Period.
Keep telling yourself and your friend that you no longer gamble. Period. Say it out loud, even when you’re by yourself. I no longer gamble. Saying that out loud, but mostly to myself, morphed into saying “I no longer need to gamble. No longer gambling is as normal as no longer smoking cigarettes or drinking. No shame there. We quit gambling because we need to, and more importantly, want to. Keep being true to yourself because you’re worth it.