Hey everyone my names Adam and I'm looking to communicate with people who are either trying to or who have recoverd from either a gambling addiction or any kind of addiction as I feel this may help to the way to recovery

Well your first step was admitting it good for you. I to had a gambling problem I can't even begin to tell you the damage it caused my family not to mention financial strain and almost jail. I even ended up in the hospital with suicidal thoughts. I started GA and it helped me greatly 3 years now. It's the only thing that worked and I spent 30 years doing it. Good luck

And do you mind me asking what is GA? What made you quit gambling in the end? Did you ever find that you could stop it, but them something would draw you back into it?

No matter how bad things got I couldn't stop. GA is gamblers anonymous like they have AA for drinkers. It's a support group

The problem with gamblers annoymous though is that they don't seem to do anything local to me? What do you think is the best way to stop completely? What made you change?

I don't think I could of done it on my own without the support of others like me being able to pick up the phone and call them and listen to their stories too. I hope you can find some kind of support group

Unfortunately, neither my friends or my girlfriend are very supportive with the issue, and that obviously makes thing so much harder.

Well I hope you can find support elsewhere there is an 800 number. Good luck

Thanks for your messages.

Un dia a la vez.
Don't understand that term? Look it up.
When you understand it, ask another question.
Between here and there, don't gamble.

Dosont it mean one day at a time? Have you had any addictions sir?

i believe that's what it means and that's what they say in these support groups take one day at a time

Fortunately, I have never experienced a serious addiction...I just wanted to wish you the best, tell you how amazing I think you are for taking the first step, and give you a great big hug...((((((Adam))))))...Good luck Adam!

Do you mind if we talk about both of our addictions as I feel it really would benefit me. Thanks :)

Don't call me sir, son.

I work for a living.

Nice, respectful kid.

Now. Don't know if there's a GA book available so, go find yourself an Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book. You don't have to get a great big one. Just one with words you can read.

I have to use one with big letters and typed really slow.

That was a joke, son. You better have laughed.

When ya get that book and start reading it, wherever it says alcohol, replace it will gambler or gambling, etc.

If you can't find a group near you, you are FREE to start one.

You have a group wherever 2 or more gather to discuss their problem with gambling.

Discuss who you are, how you got there, how you stopped and who helps you stay stopped.

Do all that, then ask another question.

Be sure to check in here and share your experience, strengths and hopes.

It works if ya work it.

I ain't gonna wish you luck. Luck has nothing to do with it.

I wish you trials, tribulations and the strength to succeed.

Un dia a la vez.

That's perfect advice I wish you well. Lets us know

The thing is I know where it started, I know why it started and everything, however I just feel like I don't have the support that I really should be getting from my friends and family and this is making things alot worse. I've looked for groups in the local area and I can't find anything

I ain't typing all that again.
Your friends or family may not be capable of relating.

Do like I suggested and when you are ready, someone who shares your addiction will find you.

Faith and action.

Now, go back and read the instructions.

Like the old saying. If it ain't working, read the instructions.

I'm going to do that, however I just think it would be more useful if I had someone that I could actually relate to either online or in person, just because a book only goes so far in depth whilst you can choose with a conversation how in depth you want to go or not to go. I'm heading off to sleep now as I've got work n the morning but I shall reply when I wake up.