Here we go again

Hi Mindy,

My wife is the only person who knows about my addiction, like your partner "my rock". She's there for me when needed. But she will never understand the mind of a compulsive gambler, this makes the communication more or less one-way! This is where GA meetings help me. Everyone in that room understands you as there all CGs. This makes it so easy to communicate, relate and understand about this addiction. Without GA I know I wouldn't be over 120days gamble free. I still think I'm a strong minded person but this addiction beat me.

Our GA group of approx 15 has 3-4 ladies so it's not a room full of blokes talking about their horse racing days, lol.

All the best to you on the road to recovery.

Hi Mindy and welcome to the forum , Firstly you have got the backing of your husband for support and the fact that you came clean to him speaks volumes about you wanting recovery , as JD said you need to have the proper safeguards in place to block your access to gambling sites and money , I'm not sure what youv'e done yet but we can all give advice if you need it or contact gamcare if you wish .

You asked " will I ever feel normal again " and "has anyone beat this without GA " I'm not sure if we ever really beat this addiction or we just learn to live alongside it ,controlling it rather than it controlling us . I've not had a bet in over 9 months now since coming to this site , I know I don't want to ever gamble again buyt at the same time I cannot ever allow myself to be complacent and think just one little bet won't hurt because I know deep down it would start all over again , the key to me being happy with this outlook is acceptance of the facts , by accepting gambling has me beat and that all the money I'd lost has gone for good , it allows me to move on with a different way of life and yeah , 9 months on my life does feel pretty normal again.

I acheived this by coming here to this wonderfull place , with the help of all of its great people , my family and the willpower that told me I wanted to not gamble , more than I wanted the next bet . I haven't been to GA or gone to councilling but that doesn't mean I wouldn't if I felt the need , do it your way with what feels right to you , give it a try and if t.hat doesn't work or you feel your struggling then there are always alternatives .

The beauty of here is you will get tons of information from people who understand exactly what your going through , sift through it , take what you need and discard the rest .

If you'd like more info on GA then Oldham , Dan , triangle of a fair bit of experience of going through those doors or maybe talk to Deano who's just started at GA after being undecided for a few months , as I said you'll never be short of advice , I mentioned Loxxies thread as being of interest to someone earlier and I think it may help you too , shes not bet for 150 days since coming here and as with you online slots being her thing .

I really wish you well and I'm sure with a bit of knowledge an determination you'll achieve your goal of feeling " normall once again , give it a few weeks and once the rawness of it all has calmed down and the gambling fog lifts , you'll see all the great things that can happen again .

Take care and I'll speak with you soon .

Welcome to recovery !

Alan