Thank you for your kind words. I want to be sure that I am not coming off judgemental to anybody, nor do I feel above any of the conversation on this site. I think, especially the newer people, need to know that we are all in this together. I have brought up many times that I am amazed at how few people actually are on this site considering that there are many more like us out there, whether they want to admit it or not is a different story. Gambling is evil. What else can be so “exciting” yet so frustrating at the same time… and can cause so much damage…. I had mixed reaction on a different recovery site,where drink and drugs were the main vice….I couldn’t help but thing in some sick way, I would rather be hooked on one of those because it would seem to me that once you kick the physical side, the psycological side would fall in line….Gambling is everywhere. In the states, the federal government just “legalized” sports betting, it is now up to the states to decide what they want to do with it… It is bad enough that slot machines are in almost every bar and restaruant, now we will have sports book type places popping up everywhere…. The psycology involved with staying away is an incredible strain, and I cannot blame anybody for “falling off the wagon”.
Especially as money becomes tight, our gambling brain takes over, and because we have had winning sessions, where it seemed to come easily…we always have the itch to scratch. On of the recurring themes I see is when people go back, the losses become bigger, almost as if they are making up for lost time…. I think the guilt plays a huge part, we shouldn’t be doing it so we go a little “crazy”. Because we don’t know if or when we will ever do it again…. it is a double edged sword that is best left alone. I agree, and I appreciate your advice.. I know I will not play today. I don’t plan on playing anytime soon… I am just sad that so many of us have to feel the burden of letting ourselves down!
Keep the chin up and thanks for you response