Relapse

Hi Zach - Sorry you are feeling low, but the thing is, you have made progress by the fact that you have joined this site, you have joined GA and you obviously want to free yourself from this destructive addiction.

I should think every one of us here has had a lapse (probably more than once) - it's all part of the recovery process. The important thing is that you pick yourself up and start again - very often something like this give you renewed strength to make it work.

I admit I have never attended a GA meeting but from what I have read on here, I would think that you would receive a lot of understanding and support and should definitely attend the next one. I am sure you are not the first (and won't be the last) member to have lapsed. Walk tall, and you will do it!

Best wishes,

Joanna

P.S. If you want some real encouragement, come on over to the 2014 Challenge on the 'Overcoming problem gambling' page. It's a team effort led by Mr Brightside. All you are asked to do is to commit to recovery and check in once a week. It's really supportive, and fun. All the details are on page 1 of the thread.

Hi Zach, welcome to the Forum,

As Baggins said, you should be proud of yourself for following through with your plans to take action and visit GA.

You won't be the first, and you won't be the last to do so my friend. Just be honest; explain how and why you went wrong, tell them what you plan to do to make sure you don't fall into the same trap again, and re-double your efforts for next week.

Relapse doesn't have to be the worst thing in the world if you use it to your advantage - learn from it, analyze yourself very deeply, remember how you felt and what drove you to it. Remember that urges are only temporary, they soon pass.

Well done again my friend - here's hoping that this week will be a better one for you.

JamesP

Thanks guys. Your words of encouragement are much appreciated.

The thing is I've been gambling for such a long period of time I feel like a Zombie whenever I abstain from having a bet for a couple of days. I'd gone from last Monday until the Sunday and then in a moment of madness deposited 20 which I lost and 'chased' to the tune of 200 in the end when I finally dragged myself off. However I've since been back on today (Monday) and lost another couple of hundred but have at least acted on my stupidity by creating a deposit limit on all of my active accounts so I can only lose a fiver on each one if (and most likely when) I'm weak again. I would loved to have closed my accounts but have quite a lot of money riding on the World Cup. I've told myself as soon as it's over I'm cashing out and closing them but not certain I will do this.

I will attend Todays meeting but dreading admitting I've had a few gambles since the last one. Even though I'm new to the group and don't really know any of them I feel as if I've let them down aswell as myself, friends and family.

Again thanks for your advice and support. 🙂

Don`t feel bad about telling them you`ve relapsed, if you dont say anythting and lie then i`m afraid you are only lying to yourself they wont be able to help you if they don`t know. I`m afraid it is time to be as honest and as open about your problem as you can be, I know that is really difficult but be strong.

I totally understand where you're coming from, I was gambling free for three months and relapsed on Friday past, and again yesterday and today and 1500 worse off so your not on your own, just got to keep trying.

I went....jeeze it was awkward. I spent the good part of 30 minutes trying to explain the reasons why I'd relapsed. I still feel as if some people don't get how bad things are with regards my own thoughts, feelings and sittuation is but I did at least speak to a nice couple which was good. I also heard a couple of other thought provoking scenarios which helped me try and put some perspective on things. I left the room glad I'd attended at least.

That's a good start Zach, and you walk a little taller today knowing that you overcame your misgivings and walked through that door.

Keep strong.

Joanna

Hi all...

f*** I can't believe I find myself back here. No offence to anyone. I just feel so f*****g low right now through gambling. I've tried just about everything now. I think I gamble when I come under pressure for finances. I have to pay crazy money so my fiancee can fly over and spend the summer with me. I 'need' her and I think I can stop when we finally start living together... if I'm still breathing anyway. Sorry... just in a very dark and confusing place. I'm a 'grown man' on paper. 🙁

So yeah I gambled... again. I've lost £500 today in the space of about 1 hour. I told myself I would never sell something of mine. It happens to be an item of jewellry... what have I done? Just listed it on ebay. I'm such an idiot!!! 🙁

I think I'll download this 'blocking software' when it's my next pay day. In the hope it makes a difference...

At least I've vented a little. 🙁