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...

971 Members

6,389 Posts

0 Online

optimistic25 01/02/2018

First of all, I want to apologize for posting at this moment. I feel like I come here, get the support and motivation I need and return when I crash and burn again.

First day of the new year and I made a simple mistake. Quite frankly, I know I was an idiot for going to the casino today. I can’t blame it on peer pressure but yes, I succumbed to peer pressure. I owe money and will pay it back tomorrow and try to move forward again. I didn’t lose as much as I have in the past but it hurt just as much if not more. This addiction is tough but I will prevail. Broke my 2 month, 1 week, 1 day streak but I will not give up.

Thank you for your support.

Day one gambling free 1/2/2018.

Qwit4Good 01/02/2018

So sorry optimistic that you have to go through this again. Your apology about posting is not necessary, most of us have done that as well. Your statement: "And return when I crash and burn again." is common for many of us. I did it in my early recovery but began to learn as the months/years built up, that I needed a recovery plan that was a way of life and not just a first aid kit. I needed to be aware of myself, my recovery and my mental state at all times in order to be successful.
The peer pressure can be hell and there are people who push gambling just like there are people that push alcohol and gamblers can be even more obnoxious than drunks.

itsjustmeagain 01/02/2018

its a process, does not happen overnight, we all try and we all fail, but that's how addiction is, if it wasnt addiction it would be a fun pastime

just never give up trying thats all that matters-dont beat yourself up, its an illness - needs to be treated slowly and over time

Robin-Mc 01/02/2018

Never give up on yourself. This is a new year, but more importantly, this is today. One day at a time is our ammunition to leading a happier and healthier life.
I’m glad you’re here with us, we’ll never give up on you. Learn all you can from your last trip to the casino, what steps you could have taken to avoid placing that first bet, etc. It might even help you to say out loud “I no longer gamble” or “I don’t gamble anymore” or even just “I don’t gamble”. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with not gambling, for a complusive gambler it is the safest way to go.
Today I will not gamble

mbronner76 01/02/2018

We all are helpless to our use of gambling. It seems like you know that you can't have a healthy relationship to gambling. My suggestion to you is that you build a recovery community of people who don't gamble. Search your local Gambler's Annonymous and attend a meeting. Give yourself some distance from friends who trigger you to gambling. Tell people in your life who are important to you that you want to quit and seek a recovery community. You can do it and it will feel great!

optimistic25 01/02/2018

Thank you for your kind works. Yes, I want to be gambling free again! It feels so amazing! The last month felt great. Focusing on my home, my children, being able to shop and save up money.
I will not give up!
Today I will not gamble!!!
Day 1

Betterin2018 01/03/2018

@Optomistic25, you will make it through this. I've slipped in the past and completely understand the hurt - don't beat yourself up. Just know that today is another day and that it is one day at a time. You can do this. Remember, don't give up. Today is a new day and you won't gamble. Know that you have support system and you will get through this.

Robin-Mc 01/03/2018

Today I will not gamble, these are powerful words. I know where gambling has taken me in my past, I never want to go there again, so this is the best decision I can make for me, one day at a time. Never give up the good fight, because you are worth it.

Join the Conversation