Can you be happier after quitting gambling? Very very scared. :-(

Hello LooseEnds and Welcome.

Youve actually mentioned the hook of gambling which is the drug. The answers are within you. If you have thrown away money you cant afford and you keep doing it..... you are addicted.

Of course people can be and are happier after abstaining from gambling

What am I missing?

Am I missing the empty bank balances and the cold sweats. Am I missing walking home on a cold night with suicidal thoughts

Am I missing the slavery to an act that was actually destroying me.

Am I missing the scam of being delusional about the real odds?

It is not wholesome entertainment and its not really fun when you think about it. It is a drug high which hooks people fast and soon wears thin. However by that stage people are zombies for it with a soup of chemicals keeping them hooked and on the rocky road downwards.

It has very strong parallels with the worst class A addictions but we are considered acceptable casualties by a government in on the take.

Gambling is a VICE and a MUGS game. Its not even a fair fight as all the risk is with you. Do you think the bookies or casinos break a sweat. You couldnt even make a dent in their finances but they will take all your money from you.

What you have been getting from gambling is false and it often hides an empty soul. Lets face that you have been giving rather than getting. Do you like chucking money into the wind because thats what you are doing with your hard earned.

Money doesnt grow on trees but an addict will act as if it does until its too late.

Tell someone close and reach out for help. You have much to learn on your recovery journey

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Hi, 

Went through the exact same feelings myself, kept thinking what will I do instead of gambling, Saturdays will never be the same again on so on, I now spend my Saturdays stress free and enjoy going on walks and not wasting my money, it took a few weeks to get used to my new routine but my mood and overall well-being has improved so much. 

Hi Loose ends and hi joydivider. To loose ends joydividers words about cold sweats and empty bank balances have been like a top up medicine for me and will help me get through my day keeping me in mind of the downside of gambling. Its only day three for me but I'm already starting to feel better just by reading these posts. Stay strong Loose ends and best wishes to you. Also thanks joydivider for keeping me strong. 

Agree with what's been said - not gambling allows you to redefine 'happiness' and that could look like all sorts of things.

I'm now exactly one year on GF and I had those same thoughts in the first few weeks. I always looked forward to Saturdays and the 'routine' - I thought it made me happy. But it's all BS, yeah I might have been merrily happy putting on a load of bets but then I'd be tense and obsessed all day about the results.

Try and think about all the emotions when you gamble - while there's the dopamine hit there's also alot of stress, anxiety, shame and you 100 per cent could be much happier without it.

One year on and giving up has given me my life back - I'd urge you to do the same.

All the best.

SJC 

Hi LooseEnds, agree with everything previously said. The fact you are here show you have a problem and only you can do something about it. Regarding your question, the answer is definitely a big YES. Millions of people gamble without getting addicted, but as we all know too well it can easily become an addiction to many. Do something about it before you hit rock bottom. I can honestly say I have not been as happy as I am now for many a year after being gamble free for over a year. It isn't easy but gradually you will open your eyes to what is really important to you without the tunnel vision of the gambling addict and get back to treating those close to you as you should. So get the blocks in place and start from there

Good luck