[M1ke]

Its been a while. Im still struggling. I cant remember the last time i wasnt. Ive been tryimg to focus my mind on other things. I was about to go out gambling the other day when something hit me. I was on youtube about to leave and noticed one of my favorote singers released a new song. Its called “Twin Lakes” by Rittz. It got to me exactly when i needed it. The song itself is about alcohol recovery but the message is pretty clear. Ive listened to it at least 80 times in the 3 days its been out. Ive always been inspired by music and i think that thats going to be what pulls me out of this problem. I ended up just staying home and watching tv.

[M1ke]

Well i failed… 🙁 another lonely saturday night led me to the machines. Down $180… I did manage to leave with $40 still in my pocket although im not sure what difference it makes.

[M1ke]

Every one of us has been in the same spot. Losing it all, often multiple times. Im currently recovering myself. Some things you should know…

First off, forget trying to win it all back, it wont happen. Im sure most everyone here will agree trying to do that will only put you more in debt. We have all been there and had to learn the hard way. You may win a little here and there but in the end you will always lose more than you gain. It isnt worth the risk.

Focus on taking things one day at a time. A lot of people ask questions like “can i stop?”or “how do i stop?”… change those questions into statements… “i can stop!” “I will stop”

Set goals for yourself. Say “im not gambling today” or “im not gambling this week” and then stick to it. Go day by day and then once you reach that goal set another goal “ok i made it one week, i know i can make it two weeks” and just keep building on it.

Find something outside of gambling to invest your money in. Buy yourself something nice and just look at it and know youre going to enjoy it a lot longer than if you had risked it gambling… or set aside money for the future. Find something you want and say “ok, im going to start saving for this”.
If you feel like you cant trust yourself to stop, then give your extra money to someone you do trust to hold for you and let them save it.

We all know that hurt of sitting there feeling completely helpless knowing we just lost everything. Ive only been here a few weeks, and i can already tell there are some great people here willing to help.

You can do it. I know you can, and if you think about it enough then youll know you can. Stay strong and take it one day at a time. We are here any time you need.

[M1ke]

Im proud to say i made it through another day. I did manage to spend $18 on 20 jumbo beef sticks at my work that were buy one get one free but it felt like a good investment lol.

I know what you mean by one day at a time. Every time i hear that phrase im reminded of a documentary i seen on a pro wrestler that won a battle against drug addiction and he said he would just think make it one more day and he would do that each day until he regained control and woke up one day and the world in a sense seemed brighter all around him. Not exactly the same thing as gambling but nonetheless an inspiring story on battling addiction.

[M1ke]

I get paid today and I can already feel that urge. I hope i can make it thru. Ive been battling a cold the last 3 days and i haven’t left my bed so i have that urge to get out and do something.

[M1ke]

I got a $100 bonus from work today. It was hard resisting the urge to hit the machines, but i resisted and chose to buy an Amazon Firestick instead for $35. I’ll get enjoyment out of it for much longer.

[M1ke]

Thank you, you make a great point. It does seem to be more about needing to stop than wanting to. Even when im not gambling i never have much money but it makes me feel better when i spend it on things i can actually get something out of. Even if its something as simple as a video game or movie at least im getting something out of it rather than just dropping money im a machine and leaving empty handed. Theres been many occasions where ive spent my entire check in one run and then sat there frustrated and disappointed thinking about all the other things i couldve spent it on

[M1ke]

Thank you for the responses. Just a minor update. Im not sure im in a position where i nessesarily want to quit completely or just get it under control so im not spending my entire check in one day. I havent gambled since joining here so 5 days approximately? Granted ive only had like 10 bucks but i live in a house full of gamblers so i usually wouldve gone thru that by now. Either way it feels like progress. I did make a calendar like i had planned. It feels good looking at it and making progress each day. I feel like im on a good path. I just hope i can hold onto it. Ive missed many advancement opportunites at work because i was focused on gambling when i ahouldve been trying to get a vehicle. Well thanks for your time.

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