[Cruising247]

I have made it through another day without gambling. YES! Day 6. I didn’t say I didn’t think about it, but I didn’t act on it.

[Cruising247]

In the Spring of 2011 I took a week off from work, I became very bored. A co-worker told me about some internet cafes’ that opened in town, they are slot machines on a computer. You pay the cashier and you get on the computer, click and it spins, just a slot machine. They had the ducks, clovers, 7s, and etc…. At first I used the excuse that it was fun and relaxing. I realized it was more when I was going through money like mad, and the feeling I would have afterwards. I would call myself crazy, stupid, stupid stupid. Even when I would win, I would sit there until I lose every cent. There was days when I would hit each side of town. My body would be so tired, I would be saying I want to go home, but my car would just take me to that next location. I finally admitted to myself I had gotten in over my head. I searched for a GA mtg in my area, there were none. I searched out counselors, I located one and she said she was the only one who specialized in the area. She suggested I visit a local AA mtg because they basically uses the same 12 steps. I went to one mtg and felt totally uncomfortable…..Well, I only saw the counselor once; I could not afford her, I had gambled all my money away. But, the session did help me to open up to my husband, he has been wonderful through all of this. I have done a lot of praying, asking God “WHY?”, screaming. To fast forward, my last day was March 8, 6 days ago. Because my husband just cant comprehend why I can’t stop and I am a very private person I will continue to cry out to my higher power, and get encouragement from my new friends I hope to meet on this site. I am never going to stop trying, that is not an option.

[Cruising247]

Hello Hello, Last Day Mar 8th-Day 7. I got up this morning, went to Church, dropped my granddaughter off at home afterwards, had a nice lunch with my husband, and now lounging and watching tv. It’s raining hard outside, so I know I will make it through this day without any problems, gamble free. Yesterday, I almost stopped and bough some scratch off tickets, but I thought about it and decided if I am going to stop gambling that includes buying lottery tickets also. I am trying to take one day at the time, but I can’t wait to get months, and years behind me “gamble free.” This week will be the test, I am working half days Mon-Wed, and I am off Thurs and Fri; but, my plan is to get back in the gym and do some Spring clean in my house. It’s amazing how much weight you gain sitting at a computer gambling for hours, eating free snacks and drinking soft drinks. Believe it or not, my only addiction is gambling, I don’t smoke , drink or do drugs. So pray with me that I can get past this addiction without turning to others.

[cat438]

Congratulations on making the first step to help you recover from this gambling addiction. The best advice I can give to you is to take it one day at a time. Don’t focus on never gambling ever again, just focus on today. I know when I started recovery that the thought of never gambling again would cause me to panic, but I just kept focusing on today. I also came to accept that I can’t control my gambling. As soon as I put one dollar in a machine then I cant stop until I have lost all the money, even if I won some it would all go back in. There is support here if you post or go to some of the support groups. Have a great gamble free day!!!

[Cruising247]

I am only working half days this week (Mon-Wed) and usually I would leave the offc, swing by the ATM machine and go play until…. Today, I plan to go home, change clothes and head to the gym. Afterwards start my Spring cleaning. Honestly, I keep sitting here thinking one more time, then I’ll quit. Right now, I really want to go gamble bad. I have approx 30 mins before I get off, and to get that thought out of my head.

[Cruising247]

This is so hard, but I know that it is worth it. Praying for strength right now to resist this urge….

[Cruising247]

I got weak and went to gamble, BUT FDLE and local law enforcement was closing the establishment down when I drove up. No more “access” for me, because I don’t drive a long distance. Last year Florida closed all the internets cafes’ down, but a few managed to reopen. The 2 that reopened in my area is now officially closed again. “Thankful and Hopeful!” “Access” removed.

[janey1]

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Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our

privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[cat438]

Cruising can you put some barriers in place to help you. Can you limit your access to cash or the way that you get cash to gamble. Hand over control of your money to someone else. If you have no money then you cant gamble. I know that for me I would buy VISA Gift Cards as I could not get cash, but they still allowed me to have a way to pay for things. I am not sure what you were gambling on. My gambling addiction showed up with the slots/vlt machines. I am powerless over them. Keep posting on here as it will help you.

[icandothis]

Cruising, your story matters. Don’t stop posting, whatever is going on. This site is not about perfection. For me, it is about sharing our one common weakness and remembering, finding, discovering and creating our many strengths. We are all in this together. Hope to hear from you soon. So many people share their story and then leave. Don’t be one of them. Because what they don’t understand is that by just telling their story, healing and recovery begins. All they have to do is continue the journey. Looking forward to sharing your journey of recovery one baby step at a time.
PS Sometimes we take one baby step forward and three giant steps backwards…just saying, it happens. All we can do is keep trying.
Sending prayers your way.

[Author]

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