Do I get these thoughts? Yes Outta nowhere? Yes Where do they come from? The PITS OF HELL! Use your tools! These are only thoughts! They only have as much power as you give them. You betta rebuke this b.s. in the name of Jesus and keep it pushing. Damn! I'm suppose to be taking a break. GOD Bless

2live you are one step ahead of this devil, this disease. Refer back to the Relapse Prevention Plan that you made for the Week. Read a Recovery Book. Exercise. Meditate. You've already come here. Do what every you need to do to not return to the PITS OF HELL! Is it just me, but everytime I returned, it was worse than the time before. Don't get tricked. Played. Don't let the devil play you! Tell HELL NO, then don't go! GOD Bless. I'm OUT! For real. Peace

YV...just good to see your tagline here. Always good advice.
2live, this happened to me a couple weeks ago, and I was super pissed. Because I was totally blindsided! I mean, WTF, I'm doing all the work...Where DOES it come from. As YV said, you already have your roadblocks in place. You got your lists, You have your journals, you have your poetry, you have your music. I thought I was going to have to sit on my hands, no kidding, it was that bad. Just doing the junkie dance. But I did what I was supposed to. I used the telephone. I called someone from GA and someone from here. I talked on the phone for probably 1 1/2 to 2 hrs all told. But did I go? You have come so far. If you go [and these are my thoughts for myself] you will just have to start the process all over again. You will have to go through the withdrawals all over again. That is what I know I don't want! That has kept me away from that place more than anything. That, and accountability, to you all, and my GA group. Just get through this...I will be praying for you. Love ~E

Ll2life, this kind of thoughts, like parasites, no matter how clean I try to keep, come out of the blue and make me sick. They drain my energy, they make me feel bad about myself and if all of this happenning me just thinking of it. If I act on it it will be killing me.
I don't want to put my foot on a war path against myself. I barely stoped crying on a daily basis.
Previous recovery experience telling me, its just one of the symptoms of the gambling addiction disease and its ok to feel it. Like diabetics usually have cravings for sweets, but they can't have it - same thing.
Fooof.., I made myself feel better about myself, because thoughts like this are hunting me whole day today. I am going to take my dog, my kids and drive to the park instead, since I still have a car... Love, Vicky.

You ladies are all rock stars in my mind! Thank you so much for the support. I find that some days I feel so good and some days I am just hanging on by my fingernails. It's so nice to have all of these voices of wisdom and reason on my weaker days.... Well on every day :).

ll2live,

Now there's another thing to put in your arsenal of defense. On those days when you're feeling like your hanging on by your fingernail.....

Treat yourself to a manicure!!

You're working it my friend - keep hanging in there.

Love, Tagg

I too have too have these thoughts but find that there was a trigger. I was listening to the radio and there was a jingly noise and it reminded me of a slot I used to play so all of a sudden I am craving. I also find if i play games on Faceboook I start craving.

That is different -when I know I am triggered.
It is such an assault when it comes out of nowhere.
Biggest trigger for me is when people are talking about the casino, games they used to play, etc, etc.
When this happens I [I hope this is not TMI] it is like foreplay. Makes me WANT it, bad. I know I have to stop and start thinking of something else. If I don't, it gets to that point that you want it so bad you can taste it. If you don't know what I'm talking about, you are blessed! Love to all ~atticus

I feel that way when I want to escape, which is about everyday! I think that people who like to gamble are looking for something to make things better. Deeprak Chopra says addiction is a misguided way to get in touch with the joy we are missing. I feel that , especially tonight. Finding that joy inside is the key. Sending you peace and love.

I have read a few posts now and the advice and words of encouragement are awesom. lol atticus, but yes...that first taste could get the blocks all tumbling again. i have had some really random thoughts of gambling and you sure are right, it IS maddening. I was walking one day, had been feeling good all day, very strong...and then as I was walking towards a hotel to get a cab I saw the sign GAMES ROOM and that was all it took. I didnt just have the thought, I actually started walking toward it like I had planned it. And my god, that is scary. For this addiction to take over my mind is one thing but to compell my movement, like I was a zombie? That is some scary stuff. I also like that someone said a part of the reason they gamble is to make things easier. As a single mom, yes I agree that sometimes Im so overwhelmed and just wish I could have some help. And that "free" money would help ease some of the stress. But gambling is also a way for me to hide and run from my responsibilities when they become too much. I find as a gambling junkie, I am quite immature at heart and still trying to grow up. That is kinda sad considering Im 36! But I just try to accept where I am today. My new prayer is simply to live today better than I did yesterday. Thank you all so much for posting. Please take care.