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...
Hi everyone, I'm Jason. I've struggled with problem gambling my entire adult life. My game of choice has always been horse racing. I am addressing this issue for the first time in my life.
I'm happy to say that I haven't made a bet in 3 weeks. I know it's not long, but when you gamble almost daily it seems like an eternity. Honestly, I haven't missed it at all. I've noticed myself spending a lot more time doing more productive things like playing with my toddler, planning a trip, watching some new TV shows, and researching this horrible addiction I have.
Over the years I've lost 10's of thousands of dollars, racked up incredible amounts of debt, and just kept that horrible cycle going and going and going. It's sickening. I'm so tired of that cyle. I'm more tired of my behavior. Trying to hide debt secrets. Worrying if my wife is going to see a bank statement. Enough is enough.
Last week I met one on one with a councelor. She reccomended two things: Gamblers Anonymous and start working out. I've begun the 2nd and plan on attending my first GA meeting later this week. I have a little hesitation because I know the 12 steps do have some religious tones. I certainly respect those who look up to a higher power, but I'm not one of those people who do. I'm not spiritual either. I'm going to try it out (maybe I'll be wrong?), but I've also been researching some alternatives that aren't as faith based. Smart Recovery was one site and I'm open to others if anyone has suggestions. I recognize my problem. I know I need to correct my behaviors - I need to retrain myself. I want to be better.
I'm kind of babbling here, but I've never actually opened up on this part of my life this in the past. It was my deepest, darkest secret. In the real world if friends & family knew about my gambling addiction they'd be floored. Probably one of the reasons I've always tried to hide it. I hope to learn about others and maybe even make a friend or two on here. I feel good knowing that I'm trying and I'm hyperfocused on making a successful recovery for myself and my family.
Have a great day :)
I’m Robin, and I’m a complusive gambler. My last bet was 2/23/2017. Horse racing, huh? I played poker machines like a fiend, determined to play for as long as I could. As long as I could meant until I lost. I was always miserable deep down inside because I hide my addiction, too. That is, I hide my addiction until I was found out, busted heart and soul. A giant LIAR. I hated living like that
I get what you mean about the religious tones in the 12 step program, but in the GA program they also say “take what you like and leave the rest”. Keep an open mind is my best advice.
Thanks for posting here, we need all the members we can get because it helps us to know we’re not alone.
Today I will not gamble
Definitely a one day at a time mentality, but I'm feeling good right now. More importantly, I feel in control. I will be giving GA a shot for sure. There is a meeting Friday morning I'm planning on attending.
Wonder if there are any other individuals whose poison is horse racing - would love to hear from them.
The sickness is just as bad regardless of the method, we still end up bankrupt financially, emotionally and spiritually. Sometimes physically and mentally and morally too. This disease took me lower than I knew was possible, suicide seemed to be the only way at one point for me.
We have a choice - gambling alleviates pain in the short run, but BECOMES the pain in the long run. Life is so much better without gambling, I won't gamble today.
The important thing is I didn't gamble yesterday. I'm not gambling today. I won't gamble tomorrow.