Sounds like you have come to one of those anniversaries that can trigger post-acute withdrawal. 30 days, 90 days, a year...it's different for everyone, but it seems like out of nowhere you get strong urges and the same withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, anger, etc.) as when you first quit. And it disappears just as mysteriously.

Coming up on 30 days is fantastic! So please give yourself credit for that, and be kind to yourself while you ride out this wave. I have been through this a couple of times so far. It's no fun while you're in it, but it feels so good once it passes and you realize you didn't cave in. Be strong!

they are only feelings, they cant physically get you to a casino, sit, breathe, feel it and allow it to pass

one thing i know 100% is that it does pass
you're only job is to not act on it

xxoo be well.

Great posts to you

as recovery said -- be kind to yourself.

Get a massage. Take a bath. Call a friend. Clean out a room. IT WILL PASS.

Journal remember the pain and anguish.

The disease is trying to talk to you in those moments. Your brain might be craving that BS chemical adrenaline, dopamine etc. Find another way to get it.

Play the TAPE ALL THE WAY THRU -- what if you go? You go to win? even if you leave up -- the mental obsession will drive us all back maybe even 24 hrs later cause we want MORE of the chemicals, more of the "feeling" or the escape. And disaster always ensues. The cycle can be endless and if it keeps accelerating (which it always does) - you will end up miserable and destitute. NO kidding. Not overly dramatic just fact.


STAY close to GA GA friends, meetings etc. help me.

EXCLUSION helped me TREMENDOUSLY.

There is lots of time to fill once we give up the gamble -- building new activities has helped me tremendously. Paint, journal, singing, searched for faith community.

Be easy w/ yourself. I visualize new comers and even myself as having an IV w/ a rolling stand coming into the room. I am sick and getting better.

Sending you love. WE CAN DO THIS.

Thank you all for the kind comments and advice. I am meeting a friend for dinner and then working in my art journal. Jouranling through the pain. :)

For me blasting music and dancing has helped me over urges. Equally good for me is any kind of creativity, collages, photography, coloring. (They make adult coloring books now, recommended by some counselors and psychologists for anxiety.)
Reminding myself that the urge will go away in 15-20 minutes was a help to me. As well as having some people to call or text when I was in the midst of an urge was/is great. For that matter coming on line to DS and reading if not posting was/is helpful.
You can do this. Each time you get through an urge you will get stronger.

You're doing great. Be kind to yourself, always. Sometimes all I need to do is take a really deep breath and let it out slowly. I picture the 'urge' floating away. It helps.

Great visualization Penny. A help to all of us.