[KingofJersey]

I know what you mean about family and friends also gambling – that’s a big one for me, I was basically raised gambling. We bonded that way and the casino would always be a fun place to go and spend time together (and lose money also unfortunately)

Cheers on taking action to stop, it’s so glorious as the gambling bug fades over time, when you can look at an ad for a casino, and instead of feeling like gambling, you feel relief that you’re not involved in that whole mess

[KingofJersey]

Awesome to hear, keep going! It feels amazing to take a deep breath, have that coffee, watch some tv, and just really enjoy – nobody can take that joy and peace away from you

[KingofJersey]

Hi i-did-it, Thank you for the reply. It remains a struggle, but hopefully less so as I get to know others who are fighting similar battles. I empathize totally with you and you have my support however I can help in a small way.

I was very fortunate, I had signed up to study abroad (basically as an exchange student) in a foreign country. I had done this nearly a year in advance – so I got really lucky that it coincided with my downward spiral gambling-wise.

It forced me to be away from the same gambling avenues, and so I essentially had to go cold-turkey for several months, and that definitely helped get me off of gambling.

When I got back, I did eventually start gambling again, partially due to anxiety and being around the same triggers at home. But it was definitely greatly diminished.

Aside from the time away from home, what definitely helped me was getting a side income started. I just started flipping items on eBay and stuff like that, and somehow, that helped keep me away from gambling. Maybe it was just being busy with a hobby, or maybe it was actually making money without losing it for the first time in a while… but one way or another that helped.

I have slipped though a few times, things like watching too much sports on TV (I used to be a bettor) or going near casinos (I live in Nevada so this is a problem) can still be triggers.

[Author]

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