Keep telling yourself that just for one day at a time that you will not gamble. Come here and read this site and the journals. Life is so much better without gambling. We know that gambling is not just fun and games. For a compulsive gambler it becomes a progressive illness that destroys us and everything we care about. We always feel horrible about ourselves after gambling and losing money or winning and throwing it all back away. It's simply not worth it! Let's keep feeling good about ourselves for not gambling. NOW THAT IS WINNING! You can do this. We are here for you! Lily

Get a friend involved (not one who is an enabler) and plan out your weekend. It helps to not want to let someone down. Do something fun, make homemade pizza and have a movie night. Avoid triggers like clubbing or bars. I literally saved myself two weeks ago by getting out of work buying a bottle of nice bourbon and setting up my kitchen like an office and figuring my budget. Until I went to bed comfortably numb that night. I know that alcohol is a trigger for some and I only mention it because I seldom drink and for some reason it helped me focus that night. Also because everyone is different and to me the biggest thing was breaking the cycle. I have made it through three paychecks now gamble free and feel stronger than ever. Good luck!

I am sure you can think of 1 or 2 things that you would like to have that you have been putting off until you "win". That day is payday if you let it be. I am just getting started so I need to pay off some debts but I am anxious for the day when I can feel good about spending money - I need new running shoes, jeans that don't have holes in them, trees for the yard, small gifts for co workers,thank you cards for people... So many times I had good intentions but blew it and walked away truly empty. No longer will that be the case, you can do this - stay strong.

I love all the reply about spending your money on bills. How about self exclusion? It's easy and free.

I am a compulsive gambler too. I feel the same way u do but i havent gambled in 3 weeks and it feels so much better. I hate myself after a leave the casino. Even if I won that time i eventually loose it all! That's how i roll.