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 am gamble free for 17 days today. I have had many 17 days but maybe this could be "the one". My gambling addiction is probably exactly what it's like being in an abusive relationship.
In the beginning he brought me roses here and there. I did win in the beginning to keep me coming back, I wasn't that stupid. Then the roses didn't come as often. But I kept hoping they would. I would get knocked down feel like shit, and then repeat the same pattern over and over. I would lie, steal, cheat to go back to hell. And continue to get punched, kicked, slapped and feel like shit. I would cry again with that same story and "finally" say I'm done. Until I get a hold of some money and forget about how bad those punches hurt. Then, again I would get hit harder and harder until I can't feel anymore. It wasn't about the money for me it was about that quick high I need. Once I got the fix the low came next. And that's a feeling of hell
So this college graduate mother of 6 with an unbelievable husband is "done". I have 17 days and today I hold my head up high and say "NO" to gambling and all the crappy feeling that comes with it. There is not enough money on earth to be enough for me. For me, a compulsive gambler that is what I know to be the truth. Once I bet a dollar I take off and I am done taking off because that ride is not fun for me or my family. So happy day today and to all of you
In the beginning he brought me roses here and there. I did win in the beginning to keep me coming back, I wasn't that stupid. Then the roses didn't come as often. But I kept hoping they would. I would get knocked down feel like shit, and then repeat the same pattern over and over. I would lie, steal, cheat to go back to hell. And continue to get punched, kicked, slapped and feel like shit. I would cry again with that same story and "finally" say I'm done. Until I get a hold of some money and forget about how bad those punches hurt. Then, again I would get hit harder and harder until I can't feel anymore. It wasn't about the money for me it was about that quick high I need. Once I got the fix the low came next. And that's a feeling of hell
So this college graduate mother of 6 with an unbelievable husband is "done". I have 17 days and today I hold my head up high and say "NO" to gambling and all the crappy feeling that comes with it. There is not enough money on earth to be enough for me. For me, a compulsive gambler that is what I know to be the truth. Once I bet a dollar I take off and I am done taking off because that ride is not fun for me or my family. So happy day today and to all of you
It was not life, life was going on without me while I was in the depths.
Yes, it is very much like an abusive relationship feeling to it all.
You are changing a false belief, one that I changed: I used to believe gambling was fun. Now, I know it's not fun for me.
"...I would lie, steal, cheat to go back to hell. And continue to get punched, kicked, slapped and feel like shit."
This is a post to frame and reread when you have an urge. Our worst day gambling is a great motivator if we use it as a tool.
Congrats on the days, It is the internal work that you are doing that matters even more. You Go!
I could start quitting once I placed in my mind that this is a disease and I am sick. Period. So when it comes the temptation to spend money on gambling, first I remember how difficult is to make up those money and then I tell my self that I am sick and can not do that. It worked until now.. but of course, is one day at time. Hope you go also to the GA meetings.. they are not close to my place but I read here and this is enough to make me realize how sick make this disease and how lucky we are for every single day we stay away from gambling. I didn't do this before but I am counting the days, today is 10. Big hug.. your children and family is more important than any machine so keep fighting against this disease.