Gamblers -- Get Help

[aa06a47]

Some of you know my situation about filing for BK due to compulsive gambling addiction. I am finally able to say that with proper treatment and with the help of some medication and theropy, I really have no desire to gamble nor the constant thinking of gambling all the time.

My doctor gave me Lexapro which I've been taking for the past 7 months. It did a little in helping me with the struggling desire to gamble. I did some research and asked him if he would give me some Revia as I had read from the Mayo clinic it has shown some positive results in helping.

Not sure if it is a placebo affect or what, but since I've been on the Revia medication, I have no anxiety or desire to go to the casino's. Note, Revia is a drug to help alcoholics and heroin addicts get off those drugs.

Anyway, I know alot of folks file BK for different reasons, and I have read the stories of several gamblers. If you haven't already done so, please get some help, not only for those who love you, but also do it for yourself. I've told you what really helped me the most (Lexapro, Revia, and theropy).

Those of you who have a gambling problem understand about the desire, anxiety, depression, and all those things that go along with it when you can't go to the casino.

Happy New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[SinkingFast]

WTG, Aa!!

I know you've worked hard!! I'm so glad you've found a combination that's working for you.

And don't forget,............ IF the goin' get's tough,........... We're here for you!!

[lrprn]

Some of you know my situation about filing for BK due to compulsive gambling addiction. I am finally able to say that with proper treatment and with the help of some medication and theropy, I really have no desire to gamble nor the constant thinking of gambling all the time.

Congratulations, aa! What an incredible gift you've given yourself by first admitting you have a serious addiction PLUS then seeking out professional help to deal with it. I am thrilled to hear you've found a combination of meds and therapy to be so effective in your case. 2007 will be a much better year for you now, aa - way to go and well done!!!!!!

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

I wish I could be THAT strong. But I have to admit I'm unwilling to go unless someone can really convince me it will do me justice.

One reason why I don't go is because GA seems to be tied with "religion," something "spiritual," however you may describe it. And frankly I'm not a religious/spiritual person anymore. I have lost all faith.

Quite honestly, I love to gamble, it is always a part of me. I have been able to contain my habit, I'll tell you that much. Part of my paycheck gets directly deposited into my partners account (just to cover rent, car payment, utility bills) so I don't risk it gambling (so my bills are sure to be covered) any extra amount (like if I work OT) is mine to do as I wish - to pay for food, gas - recreation.

I can't say I'm lucky all the time, but I am lucky. After all I was able to pay my lawyer on my luck. Since I filed Bk, I've been quiet lucky, and I don't have credit cards anymore to gamble with (that's a good thing). So I don't know if I want to get help, if I should get help, I just don't know folks?

Am I lost? Catchmeifyoucan

[aa06a47]

I wish I could be THAT strong. But I have to admit I'm unwilling to go unless someone can really convince me it will do me justice.

One reason why I don't go is because GA seems to be tied with "religion," something "spiritual," however you may describe it. And frankly I'm not a religious/spiritual person anymore. I have lost all faith.

Quite honestly, I love to gamble, it is always a part of me. I have been able to contain my habit, I'll tell you that much. Part of my paycheck gets directly deposited into my partners account (just to cover rent, car payment, utility bills) so I don't risk it gambling (so my bills are sure to be covered) any extra amount (like if I work OT) is mine to do as I wish - to pay for food, gas - recreation.

I can't say I'm lucky all the time, but I am lucky. After all I was able to pay my lawyer on my luck. Since I filed Bk, I've been quiet lucky, and I don't have credit cards anymore to gamble with (that's a good thing). So I don't know if I want to get help, if I should get help, I just don't know folks?

Am I lost? Catchmeifyoucan

I haven't went to GA so don't know if it is religious or not. You can call the gamblers hot line for your area and you can go see one of there counselors free.

I agree that bankruptcy kinda takes the source of the drug (gambling) at least partly away, if you don't have the money to gamble with, you ain't going to be able to gamble.

I just know them nice casino's were not built by winners. I figure I bought that nice new lobby they just put in at Harrah's.

[BK'd-Betty]

I don't attend GA, but AA. Yes, when I first went to AA, it was EXTREMELY difficult for me because there is a lot of talk about a higher power, etc. It seem to be based on religion - however, it's really not. It is based on spirituality - which was totally foreign to me based on my upbringing.

You don't have to believe in God to make a 12 step program work for you. There are 100's of atheists and agnostics in that are in 12 step programs and are successful.

You just have to take the first step and go to a meeting - and keep going to meetings.

They kept telling me "your higher power can be anything you want it to be - it could be a door knob". I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard in my life.

They kept throwing slogans at me - "fake it, till you make it" and "keep coming back, it works". I was like yeah, right (rolling eyes).

But you know what - the program does work. I kept going back and eventually the group of AA itself became my higher power.

Quite literally, AA saved my life.

Cathmeifyoucan - you're just not "there" yet. It seems that you haven't hit your "bottom". Eventually you will - and only you will know when the time is right for you to seek help and/or treatment. If you are truly addicted - you can "control" it, or keep it in check for awhile - but it will rear it's ugly head again to remind you that you are not in control. When the time is right, you'll know it. Are you lost? Probably. But you'll find your way, and GA will be there, waiting for you, with open arms

[aa06a47]

I don't attend GA, but AA. Yes, when I first went to AA, it was EXTREMELY difficult for me because there is a lot of talk about a higher power, etc. It seem to be based on religion - however, it's really not. It is based on spirituality - which was totally foreign to me based on my upbringing.

You don't have to believe in God to make a 12 step program work for you. There are 100's of atheists and agnostics in that are in 12 step programs and are successful.

You just have to take the first step and go to a meeting - and keep going to meetings.

They kept telling me "your higher power can be anything you want it to be - it could be a door knob". I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard in my life.

They kept throwing slogans at me - "fake it, till you make it" and "keep coming back, it works". I was like yeah, right (rolling eyes).

But you know what - the program does work. I kept going back and eventually the group of AA itself became my higher power.

Quite literally, AA saved my life.

Cathmeifyoucan - you're just not "there" yet. It seems that you haven't hit your "bottom". Eventually you will - and only you will know when the time is right for you to seek help and/or treatment. If you are truly addicted - you can "control" it, or keep it in check for awhile - but it will rear it's ugly head again to remind you that you are not in control. When the time is right, you'll know it. Are you lost? Probably. But you'll find your way, and GA will be there, waiting for you, with open arms

Bk'd....Very nice way to put it. I do believe in God and have no problem with a program based on religion. I just kinda lost my way, but time to get back. I do know what you mean about hitting bottem. Bk was the bottom for me, gambling was the reason I was there, nothing else. I don't think people quite understand what an addiction, whether crack cocain, alcohol, or gambling, does to a person and how it literally controls your life. There is help that works out there, if your truly wanting to get control of things, you just have to find the combination that works for you.

[Grace]

I have been able to contain my habit, I'll tell you that much.

Didn't you file BK on $65,000 in debt? Most of which was gambling losses?

Part of my paycheck gets directly deposited into my partners account (just to cover rent, car payment, utility bills) so I don't risk it gambling (so my bills are sure to be covered) any extra amount (like if I work OT) is mine to do as I wish - to pay for food, gas - recreation.

When you can't control your own finances, you have a serious gambling problem. It's no different than someone physically forcing you to take Anabuse to prevent an alcoholic binge. If your "partner" decides to stop playing along, what will happen? Will you put that money in a checking or savings account and not touch it? If not, you will soon realize the enormity of your problem.

I can't say I'm lucky all the time, but I am lucky. After all I was able to pay my lawyer on my luck.

You're not that lucky. You filed bankruptcy on a pile of gambling debt. If you want to delude yourself and your partner, go ahead. But don't delude the people here who want to better themselves and become financially secure and successful

Am I lost? Catchmeifyoucan

You're not lost. You're in denial. You have a serious addiction that you're dragging an innocent partner into.

[CATCHMEIFYOUCAN]

Comments

Grace: When you can't control your own finances, you have a serious gambling problem
No, I can't control my finances, that's why I have a very supportive partner to help me.
Grace: Will you put that money in a checking or savings account and not touch it?
8% of my pay goes to 401k, I started a savings account with Emigrant (got their name off this forum!).
Grace: But don't delude the people here who want to better themselves and become financially secure and successful
Don't mean to delude anyone here, everyone's got something to say about something.
Grace: You're not lost. You're in denial. You have a serious addiction that you're dragging an innocent partner into.
If my partner felt she was being dragged in than I don't think she would offer her help in any sort of way, we've been together for 10 years now. Guess you could call it a marriage, we're really supportive of each other, if it were the other way around, I wouldn't leave my partner but try to help in any sort of way. They say gambling can break a relationship, not this one!

Grace, I do appreciate your comments though, and it gives me something to think about! Thanks!

Bk'dBetty: They kept telling me "your higher power can be anything you want it to be - it could be a door knob". I thought that was the most ridiculous thing I'd ever heard in my life.
I guess my higher power is my very supportive partner! not a "door knob," (i did think that was funny!)
Bk'dBetty: It seems that you haven't hit your "bottom".
I have hit my bottom, I filed Bankruptcy. That's the way I see it.
Bk'dBetty: You just have to take the first step and go to a meeting - and keep going to meetings.
Why do most believe they need to go to a meeting, why can't we just go to our partners for support, rather, what's wrong with going to our partners for support, if one has such a partner?

Thanks, everyone for your comments! Much appreciated. Catchmeifyoucan!

[miss puff]

Good job aa! You must be so proud of yourself. What a huge accomplishment. Acknowledging that you have a problem without excuses and explanations is huge in itself.

We all have our vices. Whether it be alcohol after a hard day, gambling with some overtime, SHOPPING!!! I myself define whether I have a problem with it if I am dipping into my savings account. I admit I have had/do have a problem with shopping. I grew up with nice things-not extravagent-just nice quality things. For New Years I told myself that I wasn't going to buy anything I don't "need" for 6 months and see where I am at. Seriously, it lasted about 10 minutes into Christmas when my mom got me a Michael Kors handbag and my first thought was I NEED the matching wallet. I tried to change my way of thinking that in 6 months it's my birthday and if I don't break my promise to myself I will ask for it for my birthday. My sensible mind tells me I don't NEED the matching wallet. It's my fashion sense that tells me I do. But that will be my test-6 months.

CMIYC-I am not judging, I mean, geesh, we are rowing the same boat. But you might want to try to a time period too to see if you can not gamble and see how you feel. Just a thought.

I also like the idea that in AA/GA you can have any type of higher power/spirituality. Whether it be a door knob or a place you see yourself in the future.

Anyways, again, that's great aa-I am happy for you.