Every day you no longer gamble will heal you and please God..:) God does not want us to be a slave to behaviors that leave us empty.

Look around you and see all the beauty God gives us to lift our spirits. Take a walk and see all that beauty.

Pet a dog and look into their eyes and see God's love.

Help a needy person and that warmth that gives you a high that does not leave you empty.

You are a child of God and we are all brothers and sisters.

I will pray for you.

Kenji

Thankyou. I agree with all of your comments. God Bless.

I can go for weeks and not gamble. I put extra money in the bank immediately, leave my atm card at home and do good staying away. But, it seems like when things are good and I am happy that's when I start to gamble again. Why would I sabotage myself like this? I am so tired of lying and hiding what I have done. I don't trust myself to leave my house to go buy groceries or whatever, because I don't trust myself. I am afraid I will stop and gamble.

Today is my first day of recovery

Michelle,
I can really relate to what you feel - this time stopping I'm on Day 10... for the longest time, I just didn't really (at a gut level) want to stop, I think, because for me too it is an escape... It IS a strange feeling when you stop, but just remember how bad you felt (at least me) walking out without any $$ to show for my "escape" time and using $$ I shouldn't have... it's difficult, but I think when you finally accept that you can't just go and have fun like the average person, it sinks in and you are then ready to do something. Tough, but one day at a time it works,
Welcome to the website,
Smokeygirl

I went through what you both did probably 1000 times. I have to stop, have to stop, etc. In reality, I never wanted to stop. Until the **** hit the fan and I knew I had to stop. It was more stressful trying to tell myself to stop when I knew I did not want to.

If you really want to stop, I would recommend one on one treatment with a counselor that specializes in treating gambling addictions. It worked for me. I never thought I could stop, ever. My counselor helped me do it. You both can do it, but you have to be fully committed to it. Just the way it is. I got myself through the first six months by telling myself that when everything settled down and I had come back financially, I was going to gamble just for fun. ( yeah right) It worked. I made it through those 6 months and have not looked back. Heading towards the 6 year anniversary. You can take your life back.

By the Grace of God I am alive and I thank god every day for his love and Grace.

God Bless all of you.

I am new to this web site but not this awful addiction. I had almost two years under my belt gamble free and went back. I have not hit rock bottom yet! I don't want to but I ust keep going back, thinking it will be different. I told my wife everything twice and now it I have all kinds of secrets again. This is not the way I want to be. Can I stop without hitting rock bottom? If you can stop one day at a time do it, stay away from the bet it will slowly distroy you

We have all suffered from this terrible disease. It makes us crazy, we lie, some steal, some have lost their life over it. It's time for us to face it head on, we want our life back! Our lives, family ,friends and relationships are more important! YOU are worth saving and living a full and happy life!

Let work on it one day at a time, vow to come back to this site each day, read the stories, share your experiences. Know that you are helping others to stay GF.

I hear exactly what you are saying.
I was strong for a good while..then it started again.
Was positive when I started the New Year..but now..not as much
Was at Day 12..but blew it tonite. :(
I was bored, tired, and felt like I just needed a little get away.

In some ways, I'm not sorry. (i know..I should be)
I work hard for everyone else..sometimes I need something for "me". As I say that..I know it's not healthy time for me. Who am I kidding.