Well done on telling your wife, Paul. It is a huge step. When I first told my husband I was gambling, he didn’t listen. The next time I told him and for years after, it was solely to put him on a guilt trip for not listening the first time. I used that as an excuse to blame him for continuation of my behaviour.
The point I’m making, Paul, is that “non CGs” don’t get it! How could they understand the madness that we put ourselves through?
For that reason I would suggest you stick to the people who do understand to get real support.
The person holding your cards and monitoring the finance is only the “middle man”.
You need recovering CGs in your life right now who will show you a bit of tough love. The real support comes in hard reality. Any CG who joins a support group looking to have his/her ego stroked is in the wrong shop! The truth sometimes hurts , Paul but it will set you free.
Yes, it will feel as if some great loss has taken place when you stop gambling. Don’t be surprised if you go through all the stages of grief-shock, disbelief, anger, blame, shame etc.
Eventually you will become reconciled to the fact that as much as you think you loved gambling, it will ALWAYS be followed by grief , loss and misery and you can’t have the “drug” without the “hangover”.
CGs NEVER win!
So for all us “high flyers” here in GT , it’s time to kiss the “good life” goodbye and man up to the real world!
YOU ARE ONLY STARTING ,Paul.
I suggest you study Step One on the 12 Steps as set out in the GA Handbook.
I read something P wrote last night.
“Every loss was chased ; every win was lost!”
That sums it all up, Paul.
Best wishes for a long and fruitful recovery and a simple life, one day at a time!
