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've been away from DS for a few months now and have just looked back on my profile to find out when I first joined, which was 19 Jan 2010. This is 3 years ago! So have I completely stopped gambling? Unfortunately the answer is NO however, I have made significant improvements over this time. Ideally, i would have loved to have said yes but I must be truthful with myself and everyone else.
Although I have haven't completely stopped I have made significant improvements over the last 3 years. Key positives are:
- stopped completely for about 7 months then another for 4 months
- no longer feel addicted nor out of control most of the times
- will be debt free within the next few months (I was in so much debt at the start and never thought I would be debt free)
- having taken a few oversees trips
- learn't so much from my relapses
- still striving to be completely gamble free one day
I think sometimes we need not beat ourselves up too much and look at the positive, leverage of strengths and others and learn from our mistakes.
Welcome feedback and hope others can take something away from this.
Nice to see the regulars are still here too !
Cheers
Although I have haven't completely stopped I have made significant improvements over the last 3 years. Key positives are:
- stopped completely for about 7 months then another for 4 months
- no longer feel addicted nor out of control most of the times
- will be debt free within the next few months (I was in so much debt at the start and never thought I would be debt free)
- having taken a few oversees trips
- learn't so much from my relapses
- still striving to be completely gamble free one day
I think sometimes we need not beat ourselves up too much and look at the positive, leverage of strengths and others and learn from our mistakes.
Welcome feedback and hope others can take something away from this.
Nice to see the regulars are still here too !
Cheers
Great to hear that you are managing yourself. We all know what our limits and boundaries are and that is great that you at that place.
I have slipped and gone back several times but it seems to always take me to the dark side! So with that, I have more work to do!
Nice to hear about others and where life has taken them...Thank you!