[reds56]

Hi all – I’m Reds 56, a CG in her fifties.  Only began gambling about 3 years ago when smoking was banned in casinos.  Couldn’t take the smoke before that.  With kids grown and gone, had lots of time to start going to casino.  At some point, it became compulsive, even when at work I was thinking about when I could go again and how much I could afford to spend.   I knew I had crossed the line when I had to transfer a small amount of $ from a retirement account to my chequing so I could pay a bill because I had spent too much at the casino. It was only a small drop in the bucket but it was money set aside for other purposes.  My bet amounts got higher, and I even cut short a visit with my Granddaughter to go and gamble.  Red flags everywhere.  I have so much to lose, I could get my hands on a lot of money and spend it so quickly.  I talked to my husband, never lied to him about gambling, he thinks I am still in control. But I am not.  I transferred most of my funds to online accounts so I would have to wait 3 days to draw money out.  And I started going to GA.  But I still think I need to ban myself, better the embarassment than spending my life’s savings, I figure.. I would like to hear from those who have banned themselves, if there is anyone with experience in Alberta, Canada, would especially like to hear from them.  Thanks for reading this… Reds.

[Anonymous]

Hi Red…welcome….Banning is the only thing keeping me from going.  If you can….BAN!If you are heading in the wrong direction, God allows U-turns!

[Dunc]

Hi Reds56, A Warm Welcome to Gambling Therapy
Having found us you have also found a diverse community who can help and support you on your recovery journey.
Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and non-judgemental environment and by reading others stories am sure you will see that you are very much not alone in this addiction
Please click here to see our services page, feel free to use all that this site can offer…
To chat with others in real time you may wish to make use of the support groups, the ***** of these groups are advertised under "What’s on and When" or click here to see the weekly group schedule.
For one to one chat you may want to try the live advice helpline. Click "connect" when these options become available.
Also to say when you registered we would have sent you an email with an attachment, this attachment will help you navigate the site and find the support you so rightly deserve, alternatively this guide can be downloaded by clicking here.  
Take Care
Harry
 "Occasionally it’s wise to doubt our doubts, to question our questions, and to re-think our thoughts."

[colin in brum]

Hi Reds and welcome to the forum.  Well done on the steps you have already taken.  Banning will help as well.  Keep posting here, keep up your GA meetings.  One day at a time is all any of us need to do.

[Anonymous]

Hi Reds,
Im glad to see you have found the forum. I hope the info I sent has been useful to you and your family.
Hope to talk with you again soon
Cathie x

[helpyourself]

Hi Reds,
I’m a compulsive gambler living in Alberta. I started coming here about three months ago, reading the forums and found it very helpful. I started a post but did not continue posting for my own personal reasons, but it was the start of finally kicking the habit for me. I had been gambling for over 15 years when I finally got serious about stopping; the GA 20 questions ALL apply to me. The reason why I am posting now is because you asked if there was anyone with experience in Alberta and yes there is 🙂
In my opinion gambling is a reflection of a bigger problem, it’s a release, an escape from ourselves or our lives and I struggled with it for years. So many questions, so much doubt. When I read the forums or talk to other CGs there is nothing they can say about their gambling experiences that I cannot relate too. That said, you may find that banning or GA meetings help you to quit (or you may even be able to do it out of shear willpower) but those things did not work for me. I thought I was weak, crazy, you name it. It’s the nature of the disease to cause an incredible amount of self doubt and self deception.
To make a long story short, I finally reached a point where I honestly believed that I was at the end of my rope, that this was no way to live and if you are not living you’re dying. At that point there was only one thing that I had not tried; I never called the 1-800 number for support. the last time I gambled I came home angry and upset as usual but instead of sluffing it off, which I am quite capable of doing, I called the support line and booked an appointment with an addictions counselor. It was the best decision I ever made in my life – EVER. All I originally wanted to know was what services they offered because I was SURE there was a conspiracy. That the government was profiting by exploiting ME, lol, the crazy thoughts that run through our heads.
Maybe I got lucky (finally) and found someone who could help me, but truly getting an education about the process of addiction and understanding my behaviour and its causes has made all the difference for me. At first I was very scepticle about going to a counselor; I really didn’t think it would help but it was the LAST thing I could do. Anyways, through the counselor, you can be referred to group therapy. A program in Alberta called EGRIP. I highly recommend it. It turns out there is help out there, it just depends how much you want it and how far you are willing to go.
It’s impossible to say what will really make a difference for you or how far you are in your recovery or how much you want to quit, but if you haven’t done it already and are willing to try, do it.
Best of luck!
HY

[paul in canada]

Hi Reds56,
Twas great chatting with you last night. I’m definitely going to get myself banned; either this week or next. This way it will eliminate all temptations, knowing that even if I want to gamble at the slots, I can’t because there will be no place nearby to do so.
Chat soon I hope!
Paul

[p]

Hi Reds
Good on you for coming here.. what a fantastic step you are taking BEFORE you spend your savings.. there are many here who cant say that and if you dont come here and go to ga and work on recovery then maybe you will spend those savings, do all you can to prevent it, you are lucky you have savings now that are not gone down the drain.. congratulations what a great gift to yourself
 P – Living and Learning

[quitting41]

Hi Reds,
I’m also a compulsive gambler in Alberta, I’ve been gambling for about 12 years but I’ve now taken the steps to get help.  The last time I gambled was Aug. 1 and on Aug. 2 I went to the casino and banned myself for 5 years.  I also went to AADAC, talked with a counsellor and willing be joining an EGRIP group starting Sept. 1.  I finally feel like there’s some hope for me because trying to quit on my own hasn’t worked.

[p]

Just putting your post to front page being new, keep going, we are all here with you
 P – Living and Learning

[Author]

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