Am I addicted or just got into a habit

Hi 

Im in the same position.  But surely if we are both here then there is a problem. 

I've gambled for 24 years on and off ,I used to rob Peter to pay Paul, luckily now my situation is different but I still feel I have a issue.  I've just gambled everyday for nearly 6 months or more I wasnt counting but felt like if I didn't stop now then i would be back borrowing money. 

Have you put gamban on your devices ? It has really helped me ,im now on day 6 (well after today ) of not gambling and I know without gamban i definitely would of still been gambling away. 

Well done for giving up gambling for three years, that is quite an accomplishment! I find that when I've  been in those dark places ,I always  look back at my past achievements  as a source of inspiration. There is no shame in admitting you're struggling with gambling harms. It does not discriminate and has negatively impacted a lot of very good people . You're not alone.

There are three things that make us susceptible to gambling harms ; (1) access (2) time (3) money. Have you thought of  exploring how you can limit your access ? As Rach81 mentioned, Gamban as well as  Gamstop are self exclusion tools that are freely available through Gamcare to use. Have you thought of productive ways to start occupying your time? Is there a hobby or passion project you remember doing before gambling took hold? there are also other self exclusionary mechanisms such as banks that can help prevent you from making any money transfers to online gambling companies (Gambling Commission & TalkBanStop).

 How does this sound to you? 

Hi

There are enough labels in todays world already so I don't think you need another one if you don't want it. At my GA meeting, not everyone says they are a compulsive gambler and some don't mention their last bet date. Recovery is specific to each individual person. You don't have to put a label on yourself and I really wouldn't worry about coming on here and asking the question. There is no need for shame on here and no judgement. One thing I am certain about is that anyone gives up solely through abstinence runs the danger of sticking plasters over the wounds and not healing them properly. I spent 44 years gambling and stopped 83 days ago. Without the support network I built up (not just people to turn to but the chat rooms and topics here, counselling, GA and recovery videos) I never would have made it through week one. You probably need to address what made you go back after three years off. If you prefer saying you have a problem with gambling rather than addiction then anything works as long as you follow through with your target to give up 

I would say your definitely addicted and have to face up to that reality 

Hi

How are you getting on ?

Stuart