[md1987]

Hi All – 

I am new to the forums, but I have been in recovery the last month or so. Overall I have been doing well but I have had a lack of motivation in doing every day tasks like cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. I have overall motivation to attend my IOP and go to work, but lately minimal small tasks around the house and in life have left me feeling unmotivated to do them. I was an online sports gambler, and think I did a lot of these tasks in the past with action on the line so the excitement of the unknown for an ongoing bet kept me motivated in doing these little things. Now I don’t seem to have as much of a desire to do so and it feels like a constant drag when I try to do so.

Has anybody experienced this? Does anybody have suggestions?

Thanks in advance!

Matt

[md1987]

And I am sorry. I realized I posted this in the wrong group…

[dunc]

Hello MD1987 thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums, Ive moved this from Friends and Family

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!

[Steev]

Hi MD and well done on your gambling free time.

I’m not sure if I am the right person to be answering this as I have never felt very motivated about household chores etc. But here goes.

Gambling is a very emotional thing – we tend not to gamble with our thinking head on – otherwise would we? No we gamble with our feelings – that is what creates the craving to bet. Now my best guess is that your feeling part is rebelling because you have taken away the “fun” – for the right thinking reasons – and so is reluctant to do anything which does not include some alternative to the gambling.

Suggestions: Is there anything you can do to make these sorts of things “fun” – maybe playing music or something? Do you have enough downtime in your life now. If you have not replaced your gambling time with something else that you enjoy (but is not gambling related) then you are going to build up resentment in your emotional self which could lead to relapse. What did you give up for gambling – could you go back to it? What have you always wanted to try out – but the time (and money) you spent gambling prevented you from doing?

I hope these suggestions help and it would be great to hear more about your progress in giving up gambling. I wish you well.

[Author]

Posts