Hi so sick,

First, let me say this.... I do NOT consider myself a "recovering" CG, but the question is a very intriguing one. One of my dear friends in GA introduces herself that way "I am a recovering CG". She's been clean since 2001. I got up enough courage to ask her what, exactly that means. She explained, that she has reached a place in her mind and heart where she feels comfortable with the idea that she has no desire to place a bet again. It differs for everyone, there is not set time limit that you must have in.

When I think of recovery, I find it to be so multi-faceted and dimensionally intricate. Financially, physically, emotionally, spiritually - moral and ethical compasses changing directions constantly, based upon which way I view the matters at hand. Just when I think I'm headed north, a strong trade wind gives me cause to adjust my sails.

My emotional recovery will take the longest for me. Even if I have to lower my sails, I still have two oars, and I'll just keeping rowing till I find sanctuary in the Shores of Recovery, whenever and wherever that is.

I too would like to here the perspective of someone who has reached that shore.

Thanks, Tagg

A Christian friend of my asked, "Why do you say you're in recovery?" Then quoted the scripture, "In Christ I'm a new creation, ALL things have passed away, behold ALL things are new!" My response was the same as one of Tagg's GA friends. Although I believe in amazing grace, I'm not ignorant to the devil's devices. Because of this and knowing this disease is cunning and baffeling is why I choose to say that I'm a Recovering Compulsive Gambler. In the words of the basketball player Charles Barkley, "I'm NOT a role model." When I worked in the Mental Health field I cautioned clients not to put their hope in me. Not at the time I was healthy yet I would not allow them to put me on a throne. I told them that I was human and if I relaped tomorrow, I encouraged them to pray for me, but keep working thier program. A coworker of my relapsed and they all freaked out! "If she can't make it, I know that I can't" was the belief of many of them, but my clients knew better. If any of them put their hope in me, if they knew the crazy condition my life has been over the last three years, they'd surely be disappointed. Some, not all. Others would simply say, "She told us. Let's pray for her, then keep it moving!" Over the years I've learned to encourage myself. That's not to say that I don't reach out for back-up when necessary. Man will leave disappoint and forsake you however, GOD never fails. That's my role model. Thanks for posting this. I believe you've helped a lot of people by doing so. A variety of opinions, differences and all, is a good thing! I'm praying for you! God Bless. Topeka 2013!

guess i don't really think your ever truly recovered from it and always gonna be there lurking some where in the back of our minds. guess we learn to live with it in some sort of reasonable way and coincide with it.

I think that recovered is something you do to a drum. I do not make light of your question, but that was the first thing I thought of when I saw your post.

If recovered = beat it, then you defeated the purpose of the program. How do you defeat something you have no control over. If defeated = you have it in remission, then God Bless you and I pray that you continue a successful journey. But gambling has kicked my butt my whole life. I respect my addiction and the pain it can inflict. But I can kick its ass with God on my side. Only day by day though, because as soon as I get confident and consider myself "recovered" it will be waiting in the wings. Our addiction is constantly doing pushups and finding another way to talk us into complacency...........

Living with it is one of the realest things you ever said on this board Dewitt.,......So proud of your progress!!!!!

I agree. For all of us, it something we cannot say we have slayed. It is a disease that needs to be controlled, but cannot kill. The more I think I have to stop, the more I feel like I want to go. I just have to accept the fact I have this disease for the rest of my days but to get it under control.