My view is that people who have a sucessful approach to stopping gambling - even if this is purely measured in days of abstention (which is definitely only one aspect of a 'sucessful approach' - IMO), tend to bring about other changes too.
This could be on 'single issues' (but important ones) such as stopping smoking or stopping booze/ changing drinking habits, or healthier life styles. I know when I first stopped gambling I wondered if stopping smoking would be 'too much to take' - but it turns out this was just my addiction talking. When approached right, stopping gambling created momentum which led to stoping smoking and so forth.
But more all encompassing changes to behaviour and processing is more important in the long run. This can be through the unravelling of our issues through individual therapy or through group therapy - in order to challenge our corrupted ways of behaving. This could also include summoning the courage to open up to our loved ones.
It's maybe counter intuitive to an addict that these wider changes would help - as it's tempting to think that just stopping gambling is a big enough job in itself. But my message, having stopped for 4.5 years, is be bold and aim high. If you're reading this, you've probably realised that you're addicted and have a problem. That's a massive step - as when we're in full denial we've no chance. See the addiction as a symptom that things need to change - and it's not just the gambling. Don't be afraid, don't be bitter towards the addiction, see it as an inner cry for needs that are not being met - a cry for change.
Louis
Great post and very true. Stopping gambling can bring around many more changes in life.
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