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...
I made it to one week. I haven't gambled since March 28th,2016. It was no problem till Monday came around. You see I usually would go to the casinos on my days off which are Sunday and Monday. The thought of going to the casino seemed enticing to me on Monday. I didn't have plans but I had a lot of things I had to accomplish around the house. So I had a task list in my head and I told myself if you accomplish everything then you will go. Stupid mind game but it actually worked. It took me so long to finish all the tasks that I no longer had the desire to go. So I didn't. In fact I noticed how relaxed I was. Staying home and enjoying my home instead of going to the casino and constantly trying to get back the money that I had lost. Remembering the sick feeling that I would get when I lost more than I could afford does not seem very appealing now. I hope to continue with not gambling. I've been down this road before. I know it's hard but it can be done. I hope I make it forever this time.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you for reading.
It's great that you were able to find that inner "replay" button and remind yourself of all the horrible feelings we all have had after "a night out on the town"!!! Keep that button handy, and hit it every time you feel those urges surging.
Keep up the good work, take your time...one day at a time does the trick.
Warm regards,
Tagg
You are using a tool by planning your tasks for the day and a reward. I would suggest you find something else to promise yourself. Maybe a bubble bath, a hot tub, a movie, a pedicure, dancing for awhile, finger painting, ice cream, anything not self destructive. But promising yourself a casino trip and not going is unfair to your inner child and I think she will rebel eventually. of course going to the casino is worse as you can literally kill her/you. But rewarding yourself with something even if it seems not very exciting to you is important.
I also suggest that it is not a silly mind game, it is the only way for me to keep abstinent. I MUST monitor my thoughts and redirect myself when I have a thought to gamble, BEFORE it becomes an URGE to gamble. In fact being mindful like that may be the opposite of addiction.
Keep up the good work, keep collecting and using tools, you can do this.
My last bet was Feb 12, I didn't use to think is was important to keep a running count. It is for me now. We can stay away from the place that gives nothing be takes it all.
penny
I started off the first week or two thinking the effort far outweighed any benefits, but by the end of the first month, I had all of my bills paid. After three months, I had a savings for the first time in the past nine years. After six months, I had lost 25 pounds and got married. After nine months, the weight is still off and I've tripled my business (and we were in the six figures to begin with).
All because I quit gambling.
It's about one day at a time, yes. But sometimes, it's also about knowing your bigger rewards are coming than anything you could get at the casino. Sounds cliche, but it's absolutely 100% true. Stay open. Keep your eyes peeled for the good stuff that will be coming weeks and months and years down the road -- I, for one, can't wait!
I too am back on the road to recovery, I am not counting because we are all 1 bet away from a slip.
For me being conscience of the outcome is what helps me.
Do I want to lose all my hard earned money? NO
Do I want that sick helpless feeling to come back? NO
Do I want to struggle to pay bills and provide for my family? NO
THese are the things that help me.
again congrat's, I am so proud of you!
Tbird