I joined because my close friend needs help to quit gambling and has asked m for advice. He has been addicted to gambling, mainly "pokies" machines and sometimes sports gambling, which is worsened by his alcohol addiction. He has seen 2 different therapists with no help or progress. He has been a gambling addict for over 2 years no, and despite working full time he is living paycheck to paycheck and sometimes has to borrow money from friends to support himself because he spends all his money gambling.
My advice to him as to replace his gambling addiction with a gym addiction, blacklist and ban himself from all venues which has gambling machines, uninstall all the online gambling platforms and start investing money into high interest savings account. He really wants to quit but I am afraid he does not have willpower to stop playing. It is sad because he is a good friend and I hate seeing him spiral out of control, it has affected his job performance, relationships and mental health.
Any advice is appreciated, thanks
Hi Linda
I can do resonate with this post. I spent years trying to replace gambling addiction with golf and work. It just ended up with 3 addictions.
For me I got the blocks in place between me and a bet to stop me doing it. Then I built a support network of things and people I could turn to when I was feeling down.
Then I started to retrain my brain for good. I started to connect with people and nature.
I presume you are in Australia ?
Hi Linda
I can do resonate with this post. I spent years trying to replace gambling addiction with golf and work. It just ended up with 3 addictions.
For me I got the blocks in place between me and a bet to stop me doing it. Then I built a support network of things and people I could turn to when I was feeling down.
Then I started to retrain my brain for good. I started to connect with people and nature.
I presume you are in Australia ?
Yes I am from Australia. How is your gambling addiction recovery going? Quit completely? I personally never had a gambling addiction but I was able to replace many other addictions with regular exercise (alcohol, smoking, junk food etc.) Walk in nature definitely helped too.
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Hi Linda
I gambled for 44 years, everyday. I became a compulsive gambler, liar, thief and manipulator. I did immense damage to others and myself with mental torture. Today I don't gamble, I don't lie, I don't manipulate and I try to be the best version of myself. I'm connected to my feelings and those of others l, I'm caring and loving but keep an eye on my thoughts each day.
I'm 158 days without any form of gambling. I have no thoughts to gamble and go back. Why would I ?
Also Linda
For years I thought I had an addictive personality. I realise now I was just escaping from life which I don't do anymore. It takes daily practice on recovery and I go to some amazing meetings onlineÂ
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