My Name is Bill W (1989) Starring James Woods

Labels especially gambling labels

I wanted to write something about this but like all the film topics I write, this is only my point of view and I'm not suggesting anyone else should feel the same. 

When I joined GA in November, everyone introduced themselves by their first name and that they are a compulsive gambler. I went along with this but it didn't feel quite right because I hadn't bet for 6 days so it didn't make sense to me. 

As time has gone on, I've changed my thoughts on this. 

Some people say gambling addict. For me that is summed up in the word compuslvie and I feel it's a better description to myself

Some people say grateful. I get the concept because we can all become better people after gambling than was possible without it. I also get that for some people it means they are grateful to be in recovery. I've done so much harm that I don't feel grateful describes me. I'm grateful for plenty of other things

Some people say ex gambler. I can't do that because by the time I get to the end of that sentence I could have had a bet....it's always going to be there.

Some people used the word recovered. Not sure what the definition would be of that and not one I would place on myself.

So, I'm happy now to say at 10 meetings per week, my name is Stuart B and I'm a compuslvie gambler.