Hey dan, my first post on here. I’m nearly 42 and have not gambled since 15th November 2012. Before that it was May 2012 and before that June 2011.
I’ve had blips which started with oh it won’t hurt to have a small bet etc. But you win win win and then lose lose lose…..lose. You have hit the nail on the head by understanding that we can’t risk money to win money.
I feel a gambler in recovery needs to live in reality not chasing goals that are difficult to achieve. Most of us are adrenalin junkies who love the rush. But you can change that slowly.
It’s not easy and a lot of ‘friends’ won’t let u change as it’s hard for them to deal with a new you also. But you will find in time people slowly back off and people who are good for you will radiate to you and you to them.
And the reward is the new relaxed you, who can get up every morning and enjoy life. Enjoying the simple things in life and feeling good about It without the guilt of the gambling past.
I still go GA from time yo time which really helps me and I get to help others too.
My understanding in life is that enjoy life today and don’t chase happiness thinking ‘I will be happy when I get this or when this happens in my life’. Because you can be happy today, it’s just realising that you can be and that it is allowed.
