[lindamarie]

Today, I am angry at myself for gambling and that anger feels “good”. Today, I am committed to not walking into a casino ever again. I am a compulsive gamber. Once I start, I cant stop. So the only sane solution is not start. I need to keep that anger alive and strive to become sane once again. Gambling is slowing eroding my quality of life and my sense of well being.

I have gambled for about 5 years now; I began at the age of 55. What the heck?

[Dunc]

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Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our

privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[lindamarie]

I don’t know how to quit gambling. Maybe an affirmation everyday and keeping my anger fresh will help.

I just had a thought…maybe if rather than thinking of quitting, I will try thinking of it as just not starting.

[ready2change]

Hi lindamarie welcome to the forum it sounds like we both have to get our blocks tighter i just cant handle cash. Take care

[lindamarie]

Gambling sucks. I know that. I know from experience I will not walk out without losing every penny I have on me. So why do I think I might win? Insanity…

[lindamarie]

Thank you ready2change. Hope all is well with you.

[p]

Hi Linda
Well… gambling sucks the very life out of us as it is an addiction.. Just like drugs or alcohol it is a very real very dangerous addiction. The reason we keep thinking we can win is the addiction talking, trying to get its next fix, trying to get you to go one more time. Addiction just wants you in action, more and more.. its like saying to an alcoholic just have one drink.. once we cross the line into that world of compulsive gambling we dont seem to cross back, I’ve never seen anyone do it and i certainly cannot.. so its abstinence with the help of here GA and counselling for me. Can you find a gamblers anonymous group nearby.. the biggest thing i have learnt over the years of trying is that if you get knocked down, get back up.. i got knocked down down down down so many times but i got back up up up up… its the only way to go , never give up on giving up.. stick around, try the chat, ban if you can from gambling places, get someone to help with your money if you can, carry little cash, join GA, come to chat groups here, post, read, get counselling, really put as much effort into recovery as you did into gambling.. that is what i have learnt and i am not a great example i have tried for years and years and still months free just now but i am not giving up and without that help and trying spirit, i would never have made it, there would be no gamble free time.. now there is lots just and lots learnt.. you can do it, you are not alone, we all understand so take our hands and join in recovery… dont be a stranger

P

[lindamarie]

I will not go to the casino tonight. I need to remember how insane “I” really think this all is; how angry I was last week; how to gamble is to lose; how “I”really don’t want to gamble. But this little voice is in there trying to be heard; telling me to go. It is like this addiction has turned me into two people in one body. So crazy…

Today, I choose not to go to the casino.

[lindamarie]

Thank you for the encouragement. I have self excluded myself from the casinos – but still go. I have tried GA – and while I went to the meetings, I felt stronger about not gambling. Yes, good idea – I will start going again.

I went to counseling – and it did help when I was going. Another good suggestion -I need to get myself back into therapy.

You are right. I fell down again and now I need to get back up. I don’t have to stay down. I know how to pick myself back up.

Thank you so much for the encouraging words and advice.

I hope you are as encouraging and kind to yourself as you have been to me.

Namaste p

I gladly accept your outreached hand. Here is mine in return.

[icandothis]

Hi Linda Marie, Welcome. P, is right. The important thing is to never give up on yourself. You have made a good decision not to gamble today or tonight. These first days are the hardest. It’s Saturday night, which can also be difficult. Make other plans now! Go to a movie or rent one, call a friend, go out for dinner…anything, but make the plans ahead of time. I also think it’s better to have plans that involve someone else, as you will be more committed to keeping them. While you are at it, make plans for next weekend, too. Just take it one day at a time. Every day you choose not to gamble is a good day, and it will make you just a little bit stronger. The hard truth is that there will always be days when we are not strong enough to make the right choice, so make sure you have barriers in place. For me that includes planned activities and no access to money. Wishing you a happy gamble-free weekend! Keep us posted! We are here for you no matter what.

[charles]

Hi Lindamarie and welcome.

Reading the aove posts I would say in some ways you are lucky in that you already know the things that have worked for you in the past; GA and counselling have both helped you be stronger. Get back to what was helping before, keep posting here as well of course and you can be stronger still. 🙂

[charles]

Hows it going Linda?

[Author]

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