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 did it! I have passed my 30 day mark of not gambling!! - - - That was the easy part. Now for the hard part. The first 30 days were easy for me, always have been when I have decided to quit. I have quit for 30 days more times than I can count. I am always full of remorse, shame, angry that I lost all that money, angry that I can't buy the things the kids want, hated myself. This kept me away. Then the 30 days would come and I let all that negativity and anxiety send me back.
How will I keep from going back this time? I have to say that God has been good to me, since I decided to quit. I got a job 2 weeks ago that keeps me busy during the times I used to gamble. At least Monday - Thursday. I don't get paid a whole lot, but the job will be fulfilling and it brings in needed money. I have access to money, although I will be taxed heavily, which I didn't know about that I can use to pay off my husband's credit cards. Thank you God!
I come here, I get on the Wednesday night phone meeting (thank you Cherbear for telling us about it!), I go to Friday night meetings as much as I can. I am going to an addictions therapist, who recommended I get on Zoloft, which has made it so much easier to handle life in general. I go to church on Sunday's on a regular basis now. I try to be honest in all my affairs. Which is difficult as I have gotten so used to lying, that it is hard to be honest once again.
I am not fooling myself, my real challenge is now. Can't let down my guard. I have to keep doing the things that will keep my life on track. I can't let the fact that we can't afford Christmas gifts get to me. It will come, maybe after Christmas. But really gifts, is not what Christmas is all about. It is hard when you have kids though. I have to be happy that I am doing something to change that. I have to accept that I am where I am, but I can change, if I work at it. I need you, to help keep me on track. I need my family and for me, God. I am now up for the challenge, even though my husband doesn't believe a word I say. I will keep doing what I need to do. I have to. My life depends on it! I was too close too many times to ending my life because of this addiction!
Anyone else struggle with going beyond the do days? How have you continued to stay gamble free?
Enjoy today, you may not have tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend everyone, one day at a time. Peace!
How will I keep from going back this time? I have to say that God has been good to me, since I decided to quit. I got a job 2 weeks ago that keeps me busy during the times I used to gamble. At least Monday - Thursday. I don't get paid a whole lot, but the job will be fulfilling and it brings in needed money. I have access to money, although I will be taxed heavily, which I didn't know about that I can use to pay off my husband's credit cards. Thank you God!
I come here, I get on the Wednesday night phone meeting (thank you Cherbear for telling us about it!), I go to Friday night meetings as much as I can. I am going to an addictions therapist, who recommended I get on Zoloft, which has made it so much easier to handle life in general. I go to church on Sunday's on a regular basis now. I try to be honest in all my affairs. Which is difficult as I have gotten so used to lying, that it is hard to be honest once again.
I am not fooling myself, my real challenge is now. Can't let down my guard. I have to keep doing the things that will keep my life on track. I can't let the fact that we can't afford Christmas gifts get to me. It will come, maybe after Christmas. But really gifts, is not what Christmas is all about. It is hard when you have kids though. I have to be happy that I am doing something to change that. I have to accept that I am where I am, but I can change, if I work at it. I need you, to help keep me on track. I need my family and for me, God. I am now up for the challenge, even though my husband doesn't believe a word I say. I will keep doing what I need to do. I have to. My life depends on it! I was too close too many times to ending my life because of this addiction!
Anyone else struggle with going beyond the do days? How have you continued to stay gamble free?
Enjoy today, you may not have tomorrow. Have a wonderful weekend everyone, one day at a time. Peace!
it continues to be a day to day decision NOT to gamble. no matter how many days we go without gambling.
Personally, I have to review the steps, still limit cash, keep busy, come here as often as I can and post, and I"m going on 6 months. I relapsed shortly after 120 days, so I was shaky around that time......however, we congratulate you on the 30 days. that is quite a milestone! keep up the good work. keep in touch!
Way to go Bernie! 60 days is just incredible! You can do this, I know you can!
I love this forum, you are all so great!!
Also this time in treatment is different, I never really wanted to quit gambling before. I wanted to find a way to continue to indulge and continue to gamble. I was fighting with myself all the time. I really throw everything at it these days; I am engaged in inner child therapy doing at least one exercise per week, I go to a women's group therapy 1 x week, an education group 1x week, one on one counseling 1x1 week, I post here, and I post in non-smoking and survivors of abuse/domestic violence at least once per week.Part of my counselor's philosophy is to rediscover things that are fun for you, to do something, anything, as long as it is not gambling. I also decided to take a Spanish course online( it is free and I try to do something daily), I strive to do something creative a few times per week, I strive to move my body daily and I listen to 2 different guided imagery sessions led by a CHT for smoking cessation and for gambling cessation (and relaxation). The hypnotism really helps with thoughts and urges. I also repeat affirmations, including: I am a non-gambler, I am proud of becoming a non-gambler.
I hope my entry offers you some support and alternatives. Hang in there! You are not alone.