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...

971 Members
6,389 Posts
0 Online
Addiction & Recovery
/ Gambling Addiction & Recovery Support Group

The thought of gambling does me in every time

2mcdphnurse
2mcdphnurse
Wow, I have prayed to God, promised to stop gambling and drinking everytime I gamble and lose. This must be #1000 now. I need lots of encouragement right now. I have gambled 3x this week. I have won and lost. I was able to cover my gambling debt everytime except now I have no idea how much in telechecks I have written. I drank too much and threw away my receipts and now I have to wait to see how much in debt I am in. Why do we have to wait until we are broke until we make the decision to stop. I really don't like gambling and drinking. It is really mindless thinking. I thought I had this figured out. I do believe the casinos allow you to win because they know the typical gambler will give it all back. 1 week ago I made a decision to stop gambling for this reason and I felt like I could go in and leave after I set my limit for what I could lose. Well, that didn't work. I know I will get through this but I am done right now. I am going to be sober with gambling and drinking. Wish me luck. I AM SOOOO DONE. I have a counciling appt. this next week and I plan to figure myself out. 15 years ago I was in such control and now I am still out of control. Thanks for listening. I know this is a very long drawn out emotional mess but I felt like I needed to vent. Will be in touch.
stopat56
stopat56
vent all you want to, we've all had to do it. (and probably will again)

that is what is compulsive about our gambling: we can't stop once we start until there is no more money, or until we are so tired/sleepy/hungry, etc, we have to stop.

recognizing it, admitting it, is a great start. at least you aren't in denial

keep coming back to post and read from others who have the exact same struggles. together, we can win over our addiction to gambling. it is almost impossible to do alone.

take care of yourself.
KatfromCali
KatfromCali
I've had the exact same experience. I drank too much when I used to gamble and that made me gamble even more. I didn't care (at the time) how much I lost. I ended up in gambling rehab and it saved my life. I needed to step away from my life and go somewhere healthy. I wish you only the best on your journey. You are not alone.
justme717
justme717
I can't tell you how many times I "quit gambling", only to go out the next day, yet again. Though, fortunately, I did not combine my gambling with alcohol, I can certainly empathize with where you are. It is wonderful that you have your counselling appointment. That is a terrific start. I would also suggest that you take a look on these boards for other suggestions to stay away from gambling. It is certainly not "one size fits all", but you are likely to find some things that, when used in combination, will work for you.I wish you the absolute best, and you are certainly not alone.
lisadawnb
lisadawnb
I see myself in your post, except I don't drink, just gambled. My life is near rock bottom right now, but I already know from experience, its worth the fight!! We need to stop giving the casinos our hard earned money and use it for ourselves instead. It's not easy, but we can do this! Hang in there! Hugs Lisa
JohnnyZ36
JohnnyZ36
hi friend! vent all you want thats what we are her for! i have done the same thing about a 1000 times myself. i drink like a fish when a gamble . i have drained my bank account so many times in a drunken stupor its sickening to think about . i have paid exorbinant fees like 50-100$ to do high limit withdrawals after my regular limit has been exceeded . i even called the bank in the morning from the casino a few times to increase my limit after already losing 1000s . operator must have thought i was insane .. which not far off base when drinking/ gambling. i have drank til last call at 4 am and restarted drinking at 8 am . guess there was a reason they would give me free top shelf all night and drive me home. those were some really dark days. been gamble free for abit now .. but always fearful im just a few drinks away from repeat. i had to completely eliminate my atm card and try to limit my alcohol.. which i want to quit completely . hang in there friend you are not alone battling this demon . best wishes moving forward. johnny.