[47West]

Hi Everyone, I’m very new to this, I live in Canada, we have Casinos everywhere, plus pubs with VLT’s, I’m a CG, have been for many years, before I came addicted I use to go with my parents, my sisters and I would not play, I couldn’t fathom throwing $40 in a machine, but I tried playing and I won a jackpot, I was addicted right there. I have 3 sisters who play, one has the addiction bad,  my parents were addicted too until they both got sick and couldn’t play anymore, but they gambled  away their life savings and ended up with nothing. I’m on my way to be like them, I can’t stop, my husband has no idea, he’s working his ass off to support us. My question is, did I inherit this addiction? I’m on day 3 on not playing, because I have no money, I want to quit, I have a grandchild on the way, and I want to be able to have the $$ to fly out and see them whenever possible. So my goal is not to gamble, pay my bills and save $$. But, I need help, I’m thinking of getting hypnosis, to see if that’ll help. Anybody try alternative treatments? Thank you for listening. 

[dunc]

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.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

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!

[IRockVX]

Welcome!

You’re in the right place. Connecting with others who are overcoming and have overcome this and writing a lot about it helps — a lot.

I will say I tried a LOT of things by myself over the years and while they helped things like self hypnosis and practices of health were never full answers. I believe this is an overwhelming addiction that needs more than one person to conquer in most cases.

I believe it is definitely influenced by genes but can be overcome in spite of them. They’ve done studies on dopamine type genes in people who can manage risk vs not and there are correlations.

That doesn’t matter at all though — what matters is that you’re here and have more groups, GA meetings, etc.you can plug into.

Self exclusion from casinos is highly recommended.

I get on here and write every time I get an urge to bet (been here getting over three weeks if not four now) and it sure helps. Connect with someone/socialize and write — try to dig up the feelings etc. behind the urge.

You can do this one day at a time.

Much love and support <3

[IRockVX]

Welcome!

You’re in the right place. Connecting with others who are overcoming and have overcome this and writing a lot about it helps — a lot.

I will say I tried a LOT of things by myself over the years and while they helped things like self hypnosis and practices of health were never full answers. I believe this is an overwhelming addiction that needs more than one person to conquer in most cases.

I believe it is definitely influenced by genes but can be overcome in spite of them. They’ve done studies on dopamine type genes in people who can manage risk vs not and there are correlations.

That doesn’t matter at all though — what matters is that you’re here and have more groups, GA meetings, etc.you can plug into.

Self exclusion from casinos is highly recommended.

I get on here and write every time I get an urge to bet (been here getting over three weeks if not four now) and it sure helps. Connect with someone/socialize and write — try to dig up the feelings etc. behind the urge.

You can do this one day at a time.

Much love and support <3

[Steev]

My father was a compulsive gambler – he was into sports betting – my addiction was slots. I understand that a lot of children of gamblers become gamblers themselves. That doesn’t mean it’s hereditary – it could be that children learn the behaviour from their parents – lets face it, it sounds like you had a lot of exposure to gambling.

As for hypnosis – yes I tried it – but I can’t say if it worked or not because I was doing so many other things at the time. But I remember I had a good gambling free period afterwards – although I did bet again eventually.

If you really want to quit you need to focus on 4 areas:

Banning yourself from places where you will gamble both online and off.

Having minimal access to finance to gamble with – preferably by handing control over to a trusted family member or close friend.

Getting as much support as possible for yourself – by contacting self-help groups or counseling or non-judgemental people close to you.

Keeping yourself busy – with things that take your mind off gambling and will not put you into further debt.

It isn’t easy to stop gambling – but it is possible. I haven’t gambled on slots for nearly a decade … I live a lovely gamble free life travelling the world (well a few countries anyway – I’ve only just started.) Get in touch with a local self-help group or counselor and get support for yourself. Keep asking questions and scour the internet. I hope you find answers that mean you won’t gamble again. I wish you well.

[charles]

Hi 47 West and welcome,

Hereditary? Learnt behaviour? Unhealthy escape techniques? A combination of these and oterh things?

All of the above might be true.

The important thing, when it comes to stopping gambling, isn’t the “why” though. It is to address the issue and do the things that help us stop gambling.

You ask about “alternative treatments?” I would recommend reading the other stories here and applying the tried and tested ones. Like putting barriers in place, like using support here, like getting to Gamblers Anonymous meetigns, putting barriers in place etc.

I would recommend trying to be honest wiht your husband. he is probably wondering where all the money is disappearing to anyway. he could help with some fo the barriers.

Keep posting and let us know the positive steps you are taking to make your next bet less likely

[Author]

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