Laura ,
I think any absence from gambling weakens it hold over us , so long as we are not quietly thinking when I’m better I will go to the casino – not planning how we will only spend a limited amount and not planning on having “that win”.
MAybe God has had a hand in making it difficult for you to access gambling right now –
We truly need to accept that we can never gamble on anything even once .
I love how Geordie wrote in my thread that slips are not part of stopping and that relapses are not inevitable .
When we are stopped for a long time,I understand the thinking of GA is to help others – and in this we help ourselves reinforce how far we have come and how easily we can fall back – I guess it is the “give and you will receive “message . We are showing others that it can be done and how to do it – but also reminding the hidden addiction, which will live in our brains forever , that we are working against it , that we are aware and that we are never giving it our power again.
Vera wrote about mindset – you have an enforced period of no gambling now – maybe it’s a good time to revisit how bad it was – how you felt at the prospect of your family being homeless , the shock your husband felt …the steps you took to pay your debts , mend relationships and make a better life for your kids
Write about it all Laura – because it will not only reinforce for you how you have taken your power back from this addiction, but also serve to remind you how you need to work at this forever.
You are a great , kind woman who always has encouraging words for others . Work hard on your own recovery right now when doubts are creeping in.
Xx