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...
I'm sitting here looking at my computer screen, reading the most recent posts. And I am reflecting on the first time I came to this site. So many of the people that were my friends, are now either gone, or just not on the site anymore.
It makes me reflect, so I started to read some of my older journal entries, and it instantly took me back. I did relapse, more than once. This time, however it stuck, at least for today. I started to read some of the journal entries from some of the friends I don't see on here anymore, the lessons they taught me, either by sharing their experience in recovery or their experience with their struggles. Either way, they are and were a huge part of my journey.
The tools and suggestions and love that I was given, from everyone, helped me. I remember reading that I should ban myself, I thought that was a bit drastic. and boy, the idea of NEVER being able to go into my favorite card room, well that was just overwhelming for me. I thought, I didn't need to take it to that degree, self banning wasn't for me.... well, it turns out, it was for me. My only regret was I hadn't done it sooner. I also learned the meaning of tough love, understanding, and most importantly, I wasn't alone. I read the entries, and instantly connected, it was odd, for me to see that there are, and were people, just like me.
The key to my journey of recovery is to remember, I am not alone, I need to listen to the advise being given, and the in turn, do the same for others.
Friday, I'm planning a BBQ this weekend, rather than running to the card room, spending my time, and money in a dark, depressing card room, I will be cooking and laughing, and feeling the sunshine.
What a gift. What a gift.
Do the day my sweet warriors.
xoxoxox
It makes me reflect, so I started to read some of my older journal entries, and it instantly took me back. I did relapse, more than once. This time, however it stuck, at least for today. I started to read some of the journal entries from some of the friends I don't see on here anymore, the lessons they taught me, either by sharing their experience in recovery or their experience with their struggles. Either way, they are and were a huge part of my journey.
The tools and suggestions and love that I was given, from everyone, helped me. I remember reading that I should ban myself, I thought that was a bit drastic. and boy, the idea of NEVER being able to go into my favorite card room, well that was just overwhelming for me. I thought, I didn't need to take it to that degree, self banning wasn't for me.... well, it turns out, it was for me. My only regret was I hadn't done it sooner. I also learned the meaning of tough love, understanding, and most importantly, I wasn't alone. I read the entries, and instantly connected, it was odd, for me to see that there are, and were people, just like me.
The key to my journey of recovery is to remember, I am not alone, I need to listen to the advise being given, and the in turn, do the same for others.
Friday, I'm planning a BBQ this weekend, rather than running to the card room, spending my time, and money in a dark, depressing card room, I will be cooking and laughing, and feeling the sunshine.
What a gift. What a gift.
Do the day my sweet warriors.
xoxoxox
afreshmind
Hi you were some of the very first posts I read over 6 months ago now. Thanks for your insight and reflective comments here!
itsjustmeagain
hey leap, i remember it, all of it, glad you are in a good place, i still come every day, my gambling is no longer choking the life out of me, im happy in a good place and know i deserve better.
donice57
Ditto with the other comments....you inspired me and gave me hope so many times..this site is and has been like a life jacket for me...I am somewhere between 60 and 70 days gf...I am stronger mentally and physically....I am sleeping again ..insomnia was a major part of my gambling insanity....I am definately headed in the right direction...I still have a lot of cleaning up to do in the financial area but rome wasnt built in a day....thank you for reminiscing...
Leapyear22
Ditto, and all,,, my inspiration has been the ton of people that come to this site, even if they don't stay, or write / post, it was so nice for me to find a "soft spot to fall" during my recovery, relapse and recover, its been priceless to me to have all of you here. I believe it was life changing. We are a group of people, who have never met, but who know each other, in some cases more than the actually family and friends in our lives. xoxoxoxox
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