I agree with you. I hate the word “addict”. I hate labels. I have a behavioural problem with gambling. I see it as a problem that can be avoided by just not gambling. I don’t spend every second of my day craving it or feel that it’s invading my mind space. When I don’t gamble I feel good
“It is mine to deal with so I am in a position to avoid letting it define me in the family.” I felt the same when I realised I had s problem. I ended up telling my husband seconds after my big loss because the guilt just took over. I also felt I’d deceived him and owed him the truth.
Hubby and I talked about it last night and I told him I signed up for counselling and therapy where I’d need to go and stay at a “retreat”. He is 100% behind me with patience, love and understanding. I told him my fears and the impact gambling has had in me. I told him I was afraid of losing myself and my family.
This is a bad period in my life and it was triggered by huge changes that I have found hard coping with. There is so much to look forward to. Things will get better.