Hi Reno,
There’s so many reasons why we are addicted to gambling. For me, I thought it was because I was addicted to winning or being correct or being smarter than the bookies. But now, I’m not so sure if that was it. Did I truly enjoy the stress of having to pray for a bottom of the 9th HR to win or having my team come back from down 13 in the 4th quarter? And if my team made that miraculous come back, was I really so smart? Did I really enjoy looking at my credit card statement and seeing that I didn’t have enough cash to pay it off? I don’t think so. Now, I think that’s stupid.
And there isn’t one single solution to stoppping either. I think you have to try a combination of different things if you want to stop. For me, being completely open and honest about my addiction and struggles with my wife has helped. This forum has helped. I’m also reading books about quitting gambling. I’ve given up control of my finances so my wife can monitor me. I’ve tried counseling with a licensed therapist. I’ve also attended some of the GA zoom meetings. You have to find what works for you.