Jen,
I am in the same boat as you. I’ve been gamble free about 3 months after almost destroying myself and family financially. What’s worked for me is scheduling ALL my bills to hit the same day as my direct deposit. I’ve got a spreadsheet with every paycheck and bill for the next 3 months. I have about $2100 extra every paycheck (working 2 jobs, 1 exclusively paying off debt I took on) and I have $2000 principal payments scheduled for my car already. Last year I got a bonus at work and took the $15k and told my wife I was paying off our car, but used it to gamble and catch up on loan payments I was falling behind on. Now, she got a new job and wants to trade in the van she thinks we own for a new car. So, I’ am paying $2000 extra twice a month and it will be paid off in about 8 weeks, then at least that lie will be fixed.
Anyways, my point is, find something else to do with your money. Exclude yourself. Close accounts Make it impossible to gamble, or as inconvenient as you can. Schedule bills. Put your money in an account you dont have access to. Open a checking account at a bank that isn’t in your city, cut the debit card up and stash your money there so you CANT access it impulsively.
As CG we’re very resourceful when it comes to gambling, we need to be as resourceful when helping ourselves.