Hi,
I heard an interesting theory the other day that some people will always have addictions, whether these be the destructive gambling addiction or drugs or drink anything else.
apparantely these people cannot be cured of their addictions and the only way for such people to shift them is to replace them with a more healthy addiction.
this kinda made sense to me, I can remember before i became addicted to gambling, i had what i thought was simply an unhealthy interest in numbers and dates, so much so, that i would find myself preocupied during any particular part of the day no matter how important concentration was needed, either at work or in social events, going over irrelevant thinking about numbers and dates and time.
this in hindsight does seem like an addiction as i was not able to turn it off, i remember spending nights with out sleeping worrying about these things.
sounds crazy i know, but these thoughts and the need to constantly play with numbers diminished when i found gambling, so i guess i just basically replaced one annoying addiction for another very destructive one.
the obvious next step would be to replace the gambling with a new found non destructive addiction, caution is very much needed as this fuel for addiction has to be burnt off, and so to select the right and harmless vehicle is crucial.
just a thought and wondering if anyone else is familiar with such a thing??
Hi Gonzo,
I kind of agree with what you're saying in a sense. Although I think it is more, what the mind is focussing on, rather than addiction.
Before my addiction to gambling, I was mad on keeping active and always socialising (as I was only young). This is all I was focused on, school, socialising, and keeping active.
Once gambling found me, the first thing to deteriorate was the keeping active, as this takes the most focus, mentally (in my opinion). Then school became irrelevant and eventually socialising was non-existent.
So it is about (to me) stopping gambling, but at the same time, reverting to what stimulated me mentally, prior to this addiction. So going back to being active, eating well, socialising and eventually back to college. As when these things are prioritised, I will have no time to gamble, and that is the stage I think everyone needs to get at. As I think, not too sure if it is a general consensus, that we gamble, out of boredom. But we let it get out of control, and then when we do have plans, gambling is the main priority.
Hope I haven't rambled on too much, and something relates to you Gonzo?
Liam, being hopeful.
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