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...
So, over the last several years of my gambling career, running career, hiding in a casino for days on end, career, I have tried to reason with "why" I would do it. Reflection for me, on this 11th day of not placing a bet. Last night I found out some heartbreaking news about some choices my only daughter, now 22 has made, I found out by someone calling me to tell me. I think I must have sat, shocked, scared and motionless for a few minutes after I received the call. I then realized, that although there is no excuse, I have for years now, run, like a bunny to the nearest card room, where I would escape from all my heartache and worry for hours. I am thinking today, my reaction to this news last night was not "over the top." As a matter of fact, I was very calm, although, super sad, I was very calm, which is not in my character. But, with that said, as much as I love my daughter, and trust me when I tell you, I DO, my reaction to things, has got to change, fundamentally, change. If not, then, disappointments, happy moments, bored moments, being alone moments, etc., will just bring me straight back to the place I have been running too for the last 10 years. So, yes, the news has made me very sad, I have a very heavy heart today and its not something I can even share, or write about, without becoming emotional, my choice is not to run, not to make it all go away for a few hours, or a few days. I came to work and as I drove on the freeway, I found myself getting lost in my thoughts, as though I was away, in the card room, escaping from my reality. In truth, my reality isn't so bad this morning, because rather than run to the card room and escape, I fell asleep in my bed, in my home, with my dogs, albeit, a few tears were streaming down my face, but, I didn't place a bet. Be good to yourselves, if not for your family, friends, etc., for yourself. xoxox
I am sorry to hear about your trouble. All though it is aching your heart, I feel your strength in your voice that made me smile. you are already making a right choices for your well being, just being able to see what your emotions are taking you. And to feel that emotions by letting it to touch your heart.
Have an awesome day!
Love,
Victoria
Thinking of you.
I don't know how many people here have thought about this, but gambling can well be one of the most lasting relationships we have had. Many romantic relationships don't last as long (for many people) as their relationship with gambling. I'm getting off topic, Leap, but the point I want to make is making it over each and every hurdle, strengthens us for the next one.
I hope that things with your daughter go in a positive direction. Thanks for inspiring us today. To know that, just for today, we DO NOT, have to gamble. Hugs, ~atticus
Like many others, we are learning new coping skills when faced with stressful stuff.
and nothing, nor no one can stress us like these children of ours. and that is because the bond with them is so strong.
I'm glad you made the best choice in this situation.
our thoughts are with you as you go through the situation with your daughter.
don't forget to take good care of yourself.
you made the right choice and chose new coping skills to deal with what life was handing you instead of escaping to the hell of gambling.
Gambling is an addiction that we USE for various reasons.
It is not a way of life and definitely won't alleviate our problems or solve them or even make them better, it only puts it all on the back burner until you leave and then everything comes back with a vengeance and so much worse and so much larger it can lead us straight into a deep depression.
I am deeply sorry for your recent hurts and the pain you are feeling.
I found that once I quit gambling just being able to feel anything once again even the bad felt good since I started to become able to listen to my body and react differently and without choosing to gamble.
You say your "reality isn't bad this morning" yes, it can only get better no matter what life hands you when you are making right choices and feel good about yourself.