recovering compulsive gambler

[needfaith]

i have just recently realised that i am a recovering compulsive gambler. I am having a huge struggle with myself in the recovery phase of this illness, adn finding life very tough.
I am also finding that i am having to deal with new feelings that up till now i have kept under wraps, and this is beginnign to overwhelm me
Additionally, i am also finding that i am feeling that i need to renew my faith, as i am also struggling with god and my self
would appreciate someone to talk to about this

 

[Norseman]

Gambling would be fine if you could make money on it. The fact is, you can't. The odds are always against you. Different forms of gambling are rigged different amounts, but essentially every time you put money on the table, you can look at it as though a percentage of it will be lost. Even though it will be all or nothing, over a number of times you'll find that of the money you put down, a percent was lost. Or, to put it simply and forcefully, to gamble is to give your money away to those who neither need it, nor deserve it.

Now, I'm certain you already know that gambling will lose you money. But you probably just gamble for fun, right? Well, don't. It's an expensive habit. If you want a little a fun, you could spend your money better by renting a movie, buying a book, taking a trip to a theme park, whatever you enjoy. If you absolutely have to gamble, then never take credit cards or checks with you. Take only cash, and only as much as you are willing to lose (because in all probability, you will lose it, the odds are stacked against you).

 

[needfaith]

thanks for the advice, bu t if you read my post properly you would see that I was a recovering compulsive gambler.
But thanks for the thought anyway

 

[Norseman]

thanks for the advice, bu t if you read my post properly you would see that I was a recovering compulsive gambler.
But thanks for the thought anyway

Well, I took recovering to mean that you still weren't entirely set against gambling. Extra reinforcement against gambling couldn't hurt.

 

[dodad91]

Needfaith,

Don't depair, however, it is a cause of concern. Especially, when you stated that you are struggling with the recovery process, and "having new feelings". I understand this to mean "new" feelings about leaning toward gambling again. In my past life, in the days of my youth, I did wrestle with this illness for a season. I started out like most people. I said that I'll just "play for fun". Well, as you can imagine, playing for fun ended up being several hundred, and eventually thousands of dollars in the hole. However, once I came to know the Lord back in January of 1976, then things started to turn around. At first, I had these feelings as you have now. I simply didn't want to give it up. But I discovered through close fellowship, and giving my time to Christ rather than to "idleness", then I couldn't focus on these things, because I began to enjoy Christ more.

Eventually, it wasn't, and to this day isn't a problem for me anymore. All of us have weaknesses against something, and the list can go on for miles about what those weaknesses do to those who yield to them, but they can be overcome. Whereever you put your time, then this is where you'll give your attention.

Give your attention to Christ, and He'll give you the desires of your heart!! Just start praying and confessing to Him.

 

[bethdinsmore]

I imagine you are in a recovery group. If it is a secular one, I highly recommend you also join a Christian one such as Overcomers Outreach. That can help you with your struggles with God (doesn't matter what the addiction is). They are like in-depth discipleship training, starting out with the basics.

In addition, there is a free mentored Christian on-line course for gambling recovery in www.settingcaptivesfree.com (click on the courses button)

Here's what God has done with my addiction: "My mess has become my message, and my misery has become my ministry."

aloha in Jesus

 

[Deb7777]

Hi needfaith, congratulations on realizing you need to make some changes for the better. I don't know if there is a forum just for compulsive gamblers to share in at this website but worth a look. Looks like you have several things on your plate right now. I just want you to know, the Lord will never cast a negative thought into your heart and soul to bring you down, that would be the enemy. The Lord is one to uplift us, we, on the otherhand can be very hard on ourselves. One thing I'm absolutely positive about, no matter what our condition, the Lord only wants to help us. Everybody has their quirks and tries to find what works for them. Know you have a great friend in Jesus, he will be your greatest supporter and help. When we journey with Jesus, we might find ourself in a hole with him looking down ready to pull us out. A person might not go 5 feet before they fall in another hole but Jesus is on safeground ready to pull us out. Some people might progress a few feet, fall in a hole, and it could be a real rocky journey but the Lord is there, getting us back on our feet. The Lord only wants what's good for us, to be stuck in a hole is not where he wants us to be. One day at a time with the Lord, maybe a few feet at a time and the journey might get a little easier, a little smoother, not so many holes to land in. God Bless.

 

[needfaith]

thanks for your replies.
I have checked out the web sites, and will give serious consideration.
Yes I am in a recovery group, but i struggle with the emotional side of not playing .
I have found that i am feeling very raw,even after 10 weeks of not playing.
And also comming to terms with the fact that I was a compulsive gambler was avery difficult hurdle to get over

 

[WashedClean]

And also comming to terms with the fact that I was a compulsive gambler was avery difficult hurdle to get over

Life can be so humbling, can't it?? We all have areas that we struggle with. I don't care what your background is, there isn't one human being on the planet that doesn't have a particular issue that brings out their weaknesses.

Would you mind sharing a little about your faith background? I'd love to help you and give some advice, but I don't know what your past with God has been like and don't want to overstep. I do know that God loves you and wants to help you. Don't let anyone tell you differently.

You'll be in my prayers...

WC

 

[AtheistPerson]

I couldnt consider it an illness unless you actually see things like "god" or hear voices. And if you live in america they consider eating "disorders" illnesses too which is rediculous.

 

[needfaith]

thanks for sharing your view with me, its 'nice' to meet up with people who have such a compassionate view of others.
I wish you well in your journey, as i trust that you will offer me the same respect