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...
It's been 8 days since my last bet, and during those first 7 days I felt great, sleeping well, and positive however last night was awful. My aniexty continued to plaque my mind and the thought of going to the casino was stronger and more forceful..
Fortunately, I am banned out of the casion however I went to playing keno which was awful.... Once home, I couldn't sleep at all thinking that this will be a cycle of mine and I won't get through it.
I know I will get better because I am using recourses, such as GA, self band, and therapy... But it's hard, very hard.... I don't want to keep failing
Today I will be finding a payee for my finances, because I am determined at all cost to fight this addiction.
Looking forward to going to my second GA meeting tonight, and finding peace
Doing everything to turn sleepless nights into peaceful dreams...
Fortunately, I am banned out of the casion however I went to playing keno which was awful.... Once home, I couldn't sleep at all thinking that this will be a cycle of mine and I won't get through it.
I know I will get better because I am using recourses, such as GA, self band, and therapy... But it's hard, very hard.... I don't want to keep failing
Today I will be finding a payee for my finances, because I am determined at all cost to fight this addiction.
Looking forward to going to my second GA meeting tonight, and finding peace
Doing everything to turn sleepless nights into peaceful dreams...
Here are few things that helped me:
First, I found a guided imagery/hypnosis You Tube video designed to help one quit gambling. I used it to ease the anxiety initially, then I found it so relaxing that I would listen to it at night and it would help me go to sleep.
I quit drinking coffee and stepped down to tea. That helped me feel better.
Exercise helped some.
I quit allowing myself to have sugar, caffeine, chocolate within 2 hours of going to bed.
I changed my bedtime routine from being on the computer or watching TV to listening to hypnosis/relaxation tapes or an audio book or old time radio shows. In waking hours if I did some creative process, I found it lessened my anxiety considerably.
I can tell you are fully committed with the attitude of "I am determined at all cost to fight this addiction."
That is precisely the kind of attitude we compulsive gamblers need in order to get over the withdrawal symptoms. I know I have had to and still have to do EVERYTHING I can EVERY DAY to not gamble.
Here is a link to the You Tube video hypnosis session: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8t7yPZrw4g
Meanwhile I am telepathically sending you energy, light, and peace.
Yes it is challenging but you are doing it. Congratulations!
@qwit4good I just looked the video on yutube and I have been using that for a weeks now, last night I did not... I was so emotionly drained I fell asleep on my knees, praying.... When I made it bed, did not listen to it..
I have started walking in the morning... and that gets my mind focused to path I don't want... Also looking at homes during my walk that people have put time and money in during makes me want so much more for my home... These are motivators of what I can obtain...
I can't and won't let my setback,set me back for good as if it can't be done... I made some horrible mistakes and although stressed, I have to see the light at the end of the tunnel regardless as to how bleed it may be...
@qwit4good - Love the tips! Will have to try the guided imagery and listening to relaxation tapes.
@sbailey67 - One thing that's really helped me to fall asleep was that I got a FitBit two weeks ago. It tracks my steps and other activities. When I first got it, I was walking 6,000-8,000 steps per day and not sleeping well at all. Think three or four hours a night.
Walking 10,000 steps per day is 5 miles/day, and the goal that is pre-programmed into the Fitbit. When I did that five days ago, I noticed I actually slept at night after an hour or so of restlessness, so I was intrigued.
About a week ago, I started walking 17,000 steps per day, which is almost 8 miles per day. On days I walk 17,000 steps or more, I notice that I fall asleep rather quickly. Like, within ten minutes of turning out the lights. It's like my body is too tired to support my restless mind.
You might find you're walking at 10,000 steps per day already, and might need to go to 15,000 or 20,000 steps to notice the difference in your sleeping patterns. I don't know, but it's been a life-saver for me. Plus, it takes time to walk that far, which is all time I'm not gambling or thinking about gambling.
Headaches/migraines
Muscle twitching (painful at times)
Burning, stinging or stabbing sensations all over my body.
Muscle soreness
Rapid or unusual heartbeat
Chest pain
Difficulty breathing (sensation of not being able to catch my breath)
Insomnia/nightmares/terrible restless legs at night
Dizziness and nausea
Numbness/tingling in my arms and legs
Ringing in my ears
It was definitely worst when I first stopped, after about a month it was much better, after 2 months it was all but gone and I have NONE of these symptoms today, 8 1/2 months gambling free.