hi, i gambled for 3 years, until i had nearly no money, no i didn't steal etc or go into debt, but i wanted to quit and couldn't, i gambled everyday, it all started innocently, it was a mistake, i tried it out and got sucked in. i have been to g.a. once, i have seen a cbt counsellor, and i have already self banned except from the casino in the city. anyway, i have quit many times, each time more and more, my best and latest success was 13 weeks but i returned last sunday. i have been reading the forum here at DS and i really have gained alot of strength, wisdom and confidence, i know you but you don't know me yet. the other forum i used is down for maintainance, so i have decided to use this place more often, basically join in on our quest to beat the addiction. i had a good day today. the only problem i find with this site is that it has pop ups which freak me out, and basically i still have to learn to navigate. i am interested in using the journal section because i am online everyday and like to express myself it helps me have good and better days when i can talk through. yes, boredom, lonliness basically emotional, spiritual, physical and mental pain make me gamble, but this site has been helpful in giving me tools. i am very passionate and dedicted to stopping gambling, and having gambling free days. thanks for reading. :)