[joyceg33]

It is very rare that we quit while we’re ahead and I commend you for that. I read and reread your story…. you should do the same everytime you have the urge.

The reason you should never place another bet is in your second paragraph and because you have a wife and two kiddos that will be affected. Families, most the time, will be there for each other when times get tough… but they too get fed up and lose trust when we continue to betray or take advantage of it. They definitely don’t deserve that. We become selfish in this addiction and better people without it.

The addiction is the ongoing battle but if you find something else or your kids’ activities to spend your time in, maybe that will help with the urges. I’m definitely battling the same things you are. I will look for sales and buy cheap things, but will have no qualms betting hundreds and thousands of dollars. It is ridiculous! That has to stop and only we have the power to stop it.

Knowing that we could’ve been in a much better financial situation without the gambling is a horrible feeling. I have to tell myself all the bad things gambling resulted in. Reading everyone’s journal is proof of that.

Thank you for sharing your story and making me rethink mine. We can do this! Take care and be safe.

[joyceg33]

That’s what we’re here for…. to seek advice, give advice, learn from the bad experiences, share in the good and strive to make each day better, gamble free.  

And I’ll take the love, strength and blessings! Thank you 🙂

[joyceg33]

Thank you for your words of support! I really do enjoy my time at home, especially now that I’m making it a home. I know it’ll be a slow process. Our furniture is old and run down. Our refrigerator recently broke down so now we have a mini portable fridge, plus many other things-gone-wrong. All this because I willingly gave my money to the casinos. I’m going to be living paycheck to paycheck for a while, but now I’m making a conscience effort not to gamble away my paycheck. 

Good things never come easy, right? I feel better knowing I have people like you that will listen and offer words of encouragement.  Thank you!

[joyceg33]

Hi Amber,

CONGRATULATIONS on Day 5… keep it going!! Along with many others I’ve been in the same circumstances as you.

I only recently told my kids, the youngest is 16. They said they already knew I had a problem years back. We always seem to underestimate our kiddos. They are smarter beyond their years. I feel much closer to them now that I’ve told them and they help me cope with many things… it’s brought us closer.

My therapist advised me it is good to tell your kids… great communication in all things is usually necessary. He’s a recovering alcoholic and in his experience, informing the kids is a positive and necessary thing because there’s a great possibility that they have addictive personalities as well. That part sucks to hear, I know. But as parents, we always want to protect our kids. By you telling them your story (what you feel is appropriate) will at least give them first hand knowledge of the negative effects of gambling. The only winners are the casinos and gambling establishments.

I hope this helps! Just know I’ll be keeping tabs on you and look forward to hearing all the positives to come into your life now!

Best wishes and take care!

[joyceg33]

Hi Steev,

Thank you for your encouraging words and advice. I’ve been keeping myself busy in up upkeeping the house. I cleaned the entire house like it prob should’ve been in years. Cleaned out the garage and now working on getting rid of excess items to donate.  We are going to turn the garage onto a gym and the kids (teens) are really excited about that.

They also love Christmas so I dove back into arts and crafts, something I used to love and I guess that’s my new addiction. Pros… my family and I are seeing positive changes in our home living. We are getting closer and doing these things together. Cons…I’m staying up late at night to finish a craft I started. i have to tell myself to stop and go to sleep, which is a similar feeling I had while gambling. 

Im experiencing and reaping the benefits of non-gambling living. It feels good and i feel in control. But I do feel the urge to go play table games every now and then. So now I stop and think about all the positives I’ve accomplished in such little time. I tell myself….I probably lost close to $1mil over the 15 years. That is gut wrenching and I have to live with it. So tell myself if i can lose that money, i can earn and save that money over time.  

I’ve always been a positive person. I keep reading more journals and I’ve felt exactly how others have felt. It helps keep things in perspective. I hope and pray we all stop gambling. It’s entertainment… that we pay for. We have paid dearly for it. 

So yes…. keeping strong and fighting them urges. I’ve been on a couple forums. I will see you there im sure! THANKS again 🙂

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