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 started gambling on a regular or compulsive schedule 18 years ago. Weird to think it has been that long. I swear I would be a millionaire if I didn't gamble. I live in CT so close t two casinos. I also donate thousands to a scummy bookie. And work and have a husband and four great kids I have gambled throughout my 19 and 20 year old lives. So sick. So mean. So selfish. That's what a compulsive gambler does. We'll this mother and wife has 10 days clean. Been to two meetings. Bought a great book on compulsive gamblers and looks at this site. I want to be a good person and there is no way that goes with being an active gambler. I'm so sick and tired if being sick and tired. I was a liar, cheater, robber and a total bitch. I allowed gambling to control my mood which controlled the household. I got bailed many times which is only a tool to be back in action
I needed that quick fix no matter win or lose. Then I would hit the ground with a huge low. I'm up I'm down all the time. I need to feel the "new normal" which has to be better than what I been feeling. I'm always broke, pissed, desperate and that sucks. Thanks for taking the time to read this:)
I needed that quick fix no matter win or lose. Then I would hit the ground with a huge low. I'm up I'm down all the time. I need to feel the "new normal" which has to be better than what I been feeling. I'm always broke, pissed, desperate and that sucks. Thanks for taking the time to read this:)
I too just found this site. I read everything that people posted and for some reason I felt better because I was not the only one in this boat. I knew others had the same problem, but just reading their stories gives me hope.
I am tired of my emotions being controlled by wins and losses. The day that I found this site I also watched this video. It helped explain what was going on with me.
We have to take it one day at a time and think how much better life will be when we get back to being happy people health people.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8PLXnqhuNc
Welcome to DS. You'll find so much support here. The people here are amazing and have been here for me for the last couple of years.
I'm really happy that you decided to come here and stop gambling. Gambling nearly destroyed my life. I have been struggling for a few years. The first time i quit i made it 9 months. I can tell you from experience that it does get better with time. When i stopped giving my money to the casino, i actually have money for things i need again.
Stay strong!!
Hugs
Lisa
I did not think I could quit. Until I got in legal trouble after using money that was not mine to gamble with. That woke me up. I knew then that I was fighting for my life. For me to quit I had to do Everything I could every day to get through the first 90 days. I still have thoughts to gamble after 4 months of abstinence but I don't have the urges, where I actually plan it in my mind.(Where to get the $, where to go gamble, etc)
It takes 90 to 120 days to get the dopamine and glutamate and serotonin rebalanced in your system. Your brain gets flooded with dopamine. (Which happens in other addictions too, including cocaine, cigarettes, sugar, shopping, etc) The dopamine from gambling is many more times what other addictions shoot into our systems. Compulsive gambling is like a drug addiction. Dopamine and glutamate are like stepping on the gas all the time, Serotonin, which is diminished while gambling and it helps control impulses.(The brakes.) So we are screaming down a winding road in a maserati at 110 with no brakes.
Stay close, educate yourself on this addiction, and do everything you can to abstain. You can, if you use the search tool find some postings about tools and self care. The first 30 days for me were the hardest. May your journey get smoother as you find your way. ((((hugs))))