Quite honestly, I don't go near a casino, its too hard for me to go. But, if you have to go, be with supportive people, who understand your addiction, otherwise, there is no way in hell I would walk inside a casino. Good luck.

i have to go to VEGAS in august for work, by then i hope to have a good sense of control/calm and perhaps maybe i can get through it w/shows/shopping/the strip/dinners, whatever ....i may have to just give my debit card a rest at home...that would be a WOPPPPPER if i got on the plane w/o it...thats no joke...then i really cant play, then im really serious....ive never used my cc to take out a loan/or check, etc.....hmmm i wonder if i can do it?

Itsjustme,

Perhaps if you plan a strategy before leaving. I think you can call your CC company and arrange it so that you cannot get a cash advance on your card. If you are travelling with someone who is aware of your addiction, perhaps they can hold your money for you. Do whatever you have to do.

Also, make sure you check in here for support before you leave!

Right now, I'm in a good place regarding the urges to gamble. Self-excluding has worked for me. However, if I had to go to Vegas, I honestly don't know how I'd react. I like to think I could resist, but I'm not sure. I do know that I can never, ever gamble responsibly again. It's just not possible for me (and I'm OK with that!).

I've read stories about people who will "test" themselves by going into a casino after a long period of abstinence. Some have succeeded, but I personally think it's a bad move.

take care!

It depends on how long you have been in recovery and the level of urges you get as of now.

If you are still new to the recovery, I would have all my expenses in cashier's check. I would not take any cards other then one small amount in case of credit card is needed for deposit etc.

book yourself as much activities as possible . There are many attractions that happens outside of casinos that are free and decent as well. Go to their pool and lay out in the sun and relex. Take a stroll down to downtown and look at the light show etc.

Even if you have been in recovery for awhile not having excess to cash is the best defense. No mony=NO gambling if you cannot trust yourself yet.

hope you have great time in vegas, gamble free! I've lived there for awhile so I know it's possible to not gamble in vegas.

love,
victoria

Thank you all for your support. I do have a few other things planned during the visit so with that, I hope my mind is preoccupied. I have been to a couple of casinos where I dident gamble so I'm hoping I will be strong!

Good for you! I believe it is possible, it isnt for everybody but I know I am able to do it. It feels completely normal to me not to gamble when I go to their show or dinner etc. I see people gamble but like through
the glass door. I know why I choose not to gamble so I am completely content with my choice.

love,
victoria

I recently had an annual conference in AC. This is the second year I've had to go since stopping gambling and while nervous this year a bit, I did have a good system in place I believe. The layout actually helped quite a bit- all the conference is on a floor with absolutely no gambling and you can go from that floor directly to your hotel room- that is a blessing. The biggest obstacle I have in place is bringing my wife with me, that easily could be a good friend or other family member that's there for support, but having someone there in the flesh that knows what's what and keeping you occupied is really the best. Aside from that, you need to also keep yourself occupied so there is little down time. The conference itself helped, long days to say the least, but you need to avoid downtime as much as possible. When I had a few hours with nothing to do I went to the health club in the hotel and worked out- felt good.
Bottom line is DO NOT go into the actual casino- nothing at all good can come from that. Probably any of us could walk through it with enough resolve once, but "where your feet are your head is" as someone very dear to me says, and it's only a matter of time before you can also convince yourself that you can make that first bet and get away with it- we can't.
Jay