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...
Last Wednesday I fell off the ledge but today I feel stronger. Maybe it is because I lost money that was suppose to be used for my son's graduation party last Saturday which made me feel so guilty. Luckily I have a great boss that allowed me to cash in vacation hours so that I got a special payroll last Friday (is this a bailout??). It was more than enough money to pay for my son's party. The extra money I had I used to pay a bill early (it wasn't due until the 13th). My relapse should have never happened but I was so stressed with the party I just needed to escape. I know you can all relate. I know that is not the answer how to handle my stress. But I am trying really hard this week. I attended a live GA meeting on Wednesday (I gave the one by my house another shot), met with my therapist (I told her everything about my compulsive gambling and how bad it really is) and I signed up for a stress group my therapist referred me to. I know the only way to work my recovery it to be honest with other but especially honest with myself. It is sad to say but compulsive gamblers are liars and I am no different. I am still in the closet so I cannot be honest yet completely with my family but I am starting with being honest with myself. I am keeping very busy this week. I will try not to let myself get on the ledge and have the dilemma on whether to jump or not. I would rather stay off the ledge and not pressure myself to make that decision. Non gamblers would think that it is stupid just don't go gamble. But to a compulsive gambler everyday is a challenge. I hope everyone has a wonderful GF day!!! xoxoxo Chargergirl
Keep it simple is one of the key element in this journey. It will release the pressure off of your mind so you can focus on important things that really makes you happy!
keep at it chargergirl, you can do it!
Love,
Victoria
First of all I've been where you are many times and before GA I would apply for high interest loans ...and then go gamble to win back my money to pay them off and repeat as necessary for the past two years.
I fell off the gambling cliff 30 Days ago and I am now paying the price financially BUT I now go to three (3) GA Meetings per week and they are 1 hr away from my home. I have found so much strength and stress relief by simply going to these meetings and now rather than running away to the casino the 'stress' doesn't bother me as much and I can resist the urges.
The GA Meetings are free (except gas) and have helped me more than my BH counselor has in changing my life. Meetings Make It.
***non-alcoholics would say, just don't drink;
***non-smokers, just don't smoke;
***non-drug users, just don't do drugs;
***skinny people, just don't eat so much, etc. etc. etc.
We are all human, we all have faults. It is not easy to break a bad habit. Please don't be too hard on yourself. You are trying to kick this bad habit and that, in itself, is a step in the right direction. Keep trying.