Originally posted by bettie
Compulsive gambling is not the addicts problem, but rather his solution for some serious underlying problem.
Interesting thought, don’t u think? …
… if i was bent on doing it I would … …
… what are we suppose to do for the rest of our lives? … live in fear of relapse. Waiting for that one moment that wipes out days, weeks, years of recovery? …
Good morning Bettie,
You do give us some interesting thoughts to think about in your post and your replies to others. Your replies to others give us guidance and encouragement to go forward. Your post gives an insight into the troubles that our addictions can plague us with. Reading your thoughts today gives me a reason to "ramble on" – I find that journaling and using others as a sounding board keeps us thinking and examining our lives.
I look at your take on compulsive gambling, "(it) is not the addicts problem, but rather his solution" and find another interesting thought. It is the "addicts" solution, not "a" solution. The addicts reasoning and driving force is centered on feeding the addiction, not resolving any problems; using the addiction is an escape, not a solution. Once we recognize our addiction, accept the we are being overpowered by it, and start a recovery program, we can use that recovery to address any underlining problem. Another thought is that addressing the problems in not necessary removing them, but is dealing with them in a logical and rational way that adds to the quality of life, even if in a small way. On the other hand, succumbing to the compulsion will greatly add to other serious problems, or even to a premature death outside the possibilities from any maintainable health condition.
And yes, if you or I, or any other CG, were bent on gambling, we would; however we are bent on recovery and continue to do everything that will lead to that end. We will even try doubtful ways that can do no harm, or in more positive terms, attend services that just might help.
I came to the conclusion at the beginning of my recovery that for me living in fear would not be much better then living in addiction. In fact to my way of thinking, they may even be more equal than most can see; both provide for a falseness, living in addiction a false release, living in fear a false existence. Living in recovery and leaning on a Higher Power provides a way to live that includes enjoying the better things of life, even as we walk in the mist of our enemy. Nevertheless, stepping out into this world requires the right stuff that comes at different times and stages of individual programs – rational and logical thinking, and accepting where we are in recovery, comes into play again. nothing is easy or cut and dry.
And even if a moment of relapse occurs, it only changes a clean date; it does not wipe out any of the time spent in recovery, not even one minute of each of the One Day At A Time accumulations. This is not an opening or reason to push the envelope or test our resolve, it is a reason to carry on; we each have another bet in us, but not necessarily another chance at recovery – this is another gamble that we should not take.
God’s speed. Stay strong. Thanks for giving me the opportunity too ramble.
Larry
Thanks to my Higher Power, My 3G’s – God, GA, and GT, "Day Two Is Another Day Behind" and with the help from all , I will continue to remain gambling free.– 1/29/2011 3:28:09 PM: post edited by paul315.