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...

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Leapyear22 12/28/2015

I read the posts, regularly. I don't always post, or reply, unless something jumps out at me, and I feel compelled to do so. The one common thread I have noticed is a post from someone who is in trouble, and needs our help. And then, they are gone. I keep looking to see if they are back, or updating their journey, but many times, I just don't see them again. I wonder what happens to them, if they are okay, or if they are still out there?

I have definitely had my fair share of "bumps in the road" over the last several years, but, with each bump I became stronger, I stopped beating myself up, and focused on my recovery. There is no quick plan, there is no magic pill, but, there is hope. This site offers, experience, strength and hope to anyone who asks for it.

I found myself exhausted today. After the holiday, I am just exhausted, but, I'm also very aware of where I was this time last year, new years eve, I found myself sitting at a poker table, or black Friday, I found myself sitting at a poker table. This year, I didn't run to a casino, I didn't place a bet. This year, I was so involved in my family, the holiday, the events that take place around this time of year, rather than run to a poker table, I stayed busy. The thought of placing a bet didn't even cross my mind, as I had so much going on, and so many people counting on me, that I just dove, head first into the love I call my family.

There is no guarantee that I will stay in recovery, but, I can continue my journey, and work for my recovery, which I do, when I don't even realize I'm doing it. The memories I have from this year, have stayed with me, the good, the bad, the heartache, and the joy. All of which have made me who I am today.

I am grateful for the life I am living, today. I am grateful for this site, I am grateful for my family, for me fellow gamblers, in and out of recovery, because, without you, I wouldn't be where I am today.

I pray that everyone, who is still struggling with this addiction or is in recovery for today, has a happy, loving, new year.

Really, nothing else matters, other than taking care of yourself, and staying in recovery, because without that, well, again, nothing else really maters.

Hugs.

marc0 12/28/2015

This is my first time...I have had a problem with gambling for a long time. I don't gamble more then 2 or 3 times a year, but when I do, I always lose a lot of money...in the thousands... then for weeks after I gamble I am depressed and disappointed in myself.

I want to completely abstain from gambling and I hope these discussion groups can help.

Leapyear22 12/28/2015

happy to see you post Marc0. Its a great start. For me, initially when my addiction started, I was like you, only a few times during the year, and that gradually grew to several times a year, to several times a month, to daily, and then of course when I went, I would be completely out of control and stay for days. End result, if you feel you have a problem, you are in good hands. A lot of people can relate to what you are going through, and for me, knowing that I wasn't alone, made the world of difference. Keep posting, and check out GA, its a great program that offers tools that for me are invaluable.

marc0 12/28/2015

thanks Leapyear22...how long have you abstained from gambling

frank12 12/28/2015

leapyear I think about that as well. Many come post once and then disappear. I hope things get better for them maybe that's why they don't come back. Or maybe is the opp and things got worse?

Glad to hear you stayed away from the casino and didn't even think of placing a bet.

Welcome to the board Marc0. You are not alone. Being involved on here can be very helpful. There are lots of good people on here that can help. Why do you only gamble 2-3 times a year? Is it like you have the opportunity because you go somewhere and the casino is there?

itsjustmeagain 12/28/2015

thanks leap, we go way back, i remember when we just got here, and your relapse, and my slips, and the pain - but every day I'm still here, i made a choice to find out who i am, and thru books, seminars, networking, sharing, im finding out not only who but why i do what i do and i know i'm going to look back and this agony will only be a small part of my existence, i plan to do and see everything in my power and put this all behind me while recreating myself

happy new year my old friend.

marc0 12/28/2015

Hi Frank,

there are casinos where I live so it is hard to avoid them...I can usually abstain for several months at a time and then I get the great idea that I can go to the casino and win some money

i always end up losing and the hard part is a feel so much shame because i am not well off finically and can not afford to lose the money I lost.

frank12 12/28/2015

Marc0 very few make $ gambling whether casino, sports, race track, lotto, etc. The house always has the edge. Most do not have money management skills and will give it back plus more or everything they have. The regular gambler can play with a certain amount and that's that. For example my wife won a few bucks on a slot and she's said I'm done I won that's good enough for me. Whereas I would want to keep going double triple it. Start increasing size of bets. It's never good enough for me. Your casino trips keep resulting in losing $. Accept that it's going to continue when you go. Save your $. No need to feel shame and be depressed. Going to the casino won't make things better. Even if you went and won it will probably give you false belief that winning will continue. Stay away life is better without it.

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