Recovering or Former ?

Hi MrStop

You are, and will always be a recovering gambler. The only former CG's that I am aware of are currently residing 6 feet underground.

If you think of yourself as a former CG I feel that you are tempting yourself to believe that you could have a bet, and then be able to walk away. In truth, I know I wouldn't be able to. Maybe, on that day I could, but that little jingle of excitement would be buzzing around in my stupid head, and I have no doubt that I would be back in a very short time to have a real go.

Best wishes

Ultimately they are only words. Our actions and intent are all that matter in the end.

Plenty of similar disussions on here like this

I have no idea what you are; I know I'm a recovering addict from an addiction so progressive, so dangerous that it kills people cold.

As my good friend somethingsgottagive pointed out, if I had ever smoked & given up, I would be an ex-smoker therefore why can't I be an ex-gambler?!?

I'll still be in recovery where I am safe but it is a past not a present so go for it Mr Stop former CG 😉

Thank you for all your responses. I greatly respect each of your opinions on this subject and other opinions you have put forward on this Forum. My thinking can become somewhat "abstract" on occasion so your "concrete" thoughts are appreciated. I have had to go it alone in relation to quitting gambling due to very serious family problems (illness mainly). Your contributions (and those of others) plus the 2015 Challenge have been my "rock". I really mean it.

Today I became involved in a conversation with a current gambler and a complete stranger to me. It was a bit odd really and took place by chance, in a totally non gambling environment. The result of this was the firming up of my resolve to remain "clean". Whilst we recounted our experiences it felt to me that my gambling had taken place in a former existence. It all felt very distant in relation to the present "me" and very much divorced from the "now". If you get my drift. I took this feeling to be an encouraging sign for the future.

I described the encounter as a bit odd because outside of this Forum (and Gamcare), I have not discussed my gambling experiences or heard anyone elses for a long time. I took the result of it to be a "building block" in the defence wall I have built over the last couple of months.

On balance and after some soul searching I will refer to myself as a former CG.

I suppose "many roads lead to Rome" and as long as we are determined to abstain permanently that's what matters ultimately. What I can safely say is the quality of my existence has definitely improved since the beginning of January '15.

Take Care Everyone

Hi MrStop

I am a bit like you. After my bust a few years ago, I had thoughts of gambling quite often upon my return to GA. I think those thoughts stopped occurring late last year? So, I had thoughts about gambling for approx 18 months or so after my bust.

Nowadays I have no urges to gamble, and the only times I think about the subject is at my weekly GA meeting or when I visit this forum.

Best wishes

Thanks wal1957,

I've read with interest your responses to CG's and Family and Friends section.

Always thought provoking.

Take Care Now.