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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Just checking in

healing57
healing57

Hi Everyone!  I haven't been on here for awhile.  Glad to see some regulars and some newbies.  I am 17 months gamble free. It hasn't been easy and I have almost relapsed a couple of times.  But God is watching out for me and provided an out which thankfully I took.  One time I actually said to a clerk I think I'll take some lottery tickets and someone who I haven't seen for 2 years said behind me no she doesn't want that and that snapped me out of the trance I was in.  What was I thinking?  I find myself slipping out of recovery by not coming on here not going to meetings so I thought I would check in and also go to a meeting this week.  I hope to never have another day one.  This addiction  sneaks up on you if you don't pay attention  I have to remember I am in recovery all the time.  One day at a time.  So today I will not gamble.

Robin-Mc
Robin-Mc
Wow, you had a close call with that lottery ticket, what a miracle/coincidence that an old friend was right behind you to stop that transaction. I’m so glad you checked in with us. I pop in and out of our little site almost on a daily basis. Writing down my feelings helps me to put things in perspective. Recovery isn’t always easy but it’s rewards are worth the struggle. My biggest reward is being able to face reality, good or bad. Slipping out of recovery, I love that you brought that up. Although I haven’t gambled in almost three years there have been times when I found myself slipping into my old behavior of self loathing, I hate feeling that way. I’m at ease today. Gratefully at ease. Thank you again for checking in.
Today I will not gamble
Qwit4Good
Qwit4Good
17 months, healing, Way to Go! Amazing Higher Power stuff to have a friend show up behind you at just the right time.

I relapsed in September with a combination of triggers for me, hurting my back, getting a new doctor, and a sister being passive-aggressive, all at the same time.

Fortunately I still had some blocks in place and could not destroy myself completely in one session. I was only in relapse for 6 hours, I think because, besides the blocks, the clean time, (almost 5 yrs) serenity, journaling, affirmations, gratitude, prayer, hobby revival, education, social normalcy, (comparatively) and self-care I got to experience, made me not want to loose that.

I did not have to beat myself up too much about it also. I find it impossible to change bad habits if I am angry at myself.
yes2recovery
yes2recovery
You are so right: "This addiction sneaks up on you if you don't pay attention". It's like everything we do, every choice we make, is either making us stronger in recovery or letting us slip closer to relapse. It takes constant vigilance and it can be exhausting, but for me it's worth it because I never want to feel the way I felt when I was at the bottom. Thanks for checking in and reminding us that we are truly in recovery all. the. time.