Hi RGC,
I’m assuming that if you’ve been trying to stop for a while that you have had problems with gambling for a while. It isn’t cashing out our winnings and going home we have become addicted to it is the act of gambling, placing the bet, the thrill or the hypnotic effect which ever your poison may be. It sounds like you have crossed the imaginary line to become a compulsive gambler. Once you have this addiction, responsible or controlled gambling is never an option that will last. The only thing for a CG to do is stop gambling all together. Some ways that you can help yourself do that are: Give control of finances to another even for a while. Not having access to funds for gambling makes it easier to fight urges. Get support. Find an addictions counselor and/or a Gamblers Anonymous or other fellowship support group. Use the forums and chat room here and on other sites like UK Gamblers Anonymous. Research the addiction by reading articles, watching documentaries, using the resources on this site. I hope you are able to take this advice as this addiction will only get worse. So many of us gambled until we had nothing left. Homes, cars, families, friendships and everything really. Try and stay strong. Watch out for depression. It tends to come with the territory.
Laura