26-05-2010, 01:48 PM
Hi selfishgambler and csteak
I have to agree with BigDave... If you test or tempt yourself, it will only be a matter of time before you fail, especially early on in your recovery.
The thoughts you talk about, have diminished for me. I am now 16 months gamble free. I can honestly say that for the last 2 weeks I have not wanted to gamble. It does take time though.
When I first stopped gambling I was still thinking all the time about gambling. I didn't want to gamble, but I couldn't help thinking about it.
Your "willpower" is what has led you on to this forum. If you are honest with yourself, you will realise, that your will, to stop gambling has failed before, many, many times.
"You are powerless over gambling"! This is the first step for us as CG's. Admit that we are indeed powerless over this addiction.
If you can admit to being powerless, then the advice you recieve will make more sense to you.
Do NOT carry money on you that you do not need.
Limit the amount of money you have access to.
Stay away from gambling venues (especially for the short term)
Have someone take over your finances. Generally 6 - 9 months. ( I gave control of my finances away for a 12 month period).
Attend GA meetings.
Be honest to others about your problem. Most importantly, be honest with yourself about your problem.
I could go on a bit more... perhaps I have rambled too much already <!-- s
--><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s -->
Hi csteak.
I have to disagree with you re informing family. If you do not trust your family enough to tell them the truth, how do you expect them to return that trust?
Yes, you do run the risk of being cast out. That has indeed happened to some fellow GA members I know. However, the majority have gained the support they need to help in their fight to beat this addiction. What better support than family?
Of my fellow GA members who have been made to feel like 'lepers', they are philosophical about there position. Family, friends, & lovers stick together. They help each other when needed.
If they cannot accept that you have this addiction....that you are seeking help to beat it...and that you are remorseful over what you have done. Then so be it! You can only do your best for today.
Best wishes
Roy
I have to agree with BigDave... If you test or tempt yourself, it will only be a matter of time before you fail, especially early on in your recovery.
The thoughts you talk about, have diminished for me. I am now 16 months gamble free. I can honestly say that for the last 2 weeks I have not wanted to gamble. It does take time though.
When I first stopped gambling I was still thinking all the time about gambling. I didn't want to gamble, but I couldn't help thinking about it.
Your "willpower" is what has led you on to this forum. If you are honest with yourself, you will realise, that your will, to stop gambling has failed before, many, many times.
"You are powerless over gambling"! This is the first step for us as CG's. Admit that we are indeed powerless over this addiction.
If you can admit to being powerless, then the advice you recieve will make more sense to you.
Do NOT carry money on you that you do not need.
Limit the amount of money you have access to.
Stay away from gambling venues (especially for the short term)
Have someone take over your finances. Generally 6 - 9 months. ( I gave control of my finances away for a 12 month period).
Attend GA meetings.
Be honest to others about your problem. Most importantly, be honest with yourself about your problem.
I could go on a bit more... perhaps I have rambled too much already <!-- s
--><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_e_wink.gif" alt="" title="Wink" /><!-- s --> Hi csteak.
I have to disagree with you re informing family. If you do not trust your family enough to tell them the truth, how do you expect them to return that trust?
Yes, you do run the risk of being cast out. That has indeed happened to some fellow GA members I know. However, the majority have gained the support they need to help in their fight to beat this addiction. What better support than family?
Of my fellow GA members who have been made to feel like 'lepers', they are philosophical about there position. Family, friends, & lovers stick together. They help each other when needed.
If they cannot accept that you have this addiction....that you are seeking help to beat it...and that you are remorseful over what you have done. Then so be it! You can only do your best for today.
Best wishes
Roy