I hope your symptoms subside in time for Christmas, IDI.
Not a good time to be sick.
Being stuck indoors (for an online gambler) can also be boring/tempting/risky.
Keep your barriers high.
I hear what you say about other members’ relapses.
At the risk of sounding “preachy” , a GA phrase comes to mind -“don’t compare yourself to others”.
When I read of other members relapsing, it gives me a jolt and a longing all in one but when you sit across from and SEE a member in GA arriving at a meeting on the back of a gambling binge, it’s a completely different scenario.
Seeing the red /dead eyes the unshaven face, the unkempt appearance and shabby dress on a person who usually presents in an upbeat confident manner or if the member is a lady a somewhat similar look (except for the shaving!!). Watching that person staring at the floor, trying to avoid the gaze of others certainly would not be an incentive to “try your luck”. Pride would prevent me from attending a meeting in that state. ‘Bad enough losing face on camera in the casino. ……….
In my experience, gambling is like that old flu virus. It comes from nowhere, whips you around and disappears just as fast.
Self protection helps (sometimes) but when our defenses are weakened by stress, illness, emotional highs and lows, we tend as CGs ( for brevity) to lose the plot and all hell breaks loose.
Yes, it is all in the mindset.
Remind me to follow my own counsel and re set my silly mind!
PS Hubby arrived home earlier after delivering local Christmas presents maith go leor le uisce beatha…and DRIVING!! A recipe for disaster. In the past I would be in the slots by now. I had a long bath and retired to my bedroom.
I hate alcohol even more than I hate gambling.
Brings back terrible memories.
