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

lhbyrdie 08/21/2014

I thought I could stop by, see friends, just play for fun. Not a good idea. I was just playing for fun until someone started winning, then it was like oh , lets play 20 more, friends left and I stayed because I wanted to win. I know now I need to come straight home after work. Stay busy and make it inconvenient to go back out again. I definitely need a phone friend.

stopat56 08/22/2014

for a long time, I thought I could stop by after work to relax and get rid of the stress of work. well, I learned the hard way, that is not the answer for me. In fact, I left the casino more stressed than I ever felt at work.

so I'm still learning new ways to cope with stress. walking, coming here, fb, reading, writing in my journal, spending time with friends and family, anything but going to the casino. all the casino did was stress me more, and make me broke.

look for some more things you enjoy lhbyrdie. it can work!

newstarttoday 08/22/2014

Hi there! I know what you mean. I have really used gambling as a stress reducer. Of course it has never worked and only added more stress. I found that the majority of the time I gambled during and after work. Exercise, reading, walking, this group, wed night conference calls, calling friends, and being with family helps. Sending you peace and love!

lhbyrdie 08/22/2014

Thanks for your suggestions. I have my first appointment Monday for therapist. I hope this too will help me to learn how to develop more "blocks" against the urges.

I love all of your support and it definitely means alot!

Join the Conversation