Hi All,
Sometimes you read posts & something's said that really resonates with you.
Other times someone will say something that doesn't quite sit right with you.
Is Compulsive Gambling an exact science ? Definitely not.
We are all different, different gambling patterns, footy, horses, casinos, slots etc etc.
So what is the common denominator that brings us all together ?.
1 We can't stop
2 All of our trigger points differ but we all have them
3 No CG can ever be totally honest with themselves, let alone loved ones.
4 Our addiction affects not just ourselves but those who love us.
Even if we don't agree i believe we find solace, strength and peace from one another & knowing that can be the difference between relapsing & stopping. There have been some on here who have agreed or disagreed with the things i've said in the past and vice versa, but despite that we should keep an open mind,respect each others views and continue to be prepared to look, listen & learn from one another.
There was a time i'd get angry about those who'd post saying they've found a magical formula whereby they can control their gambling & only do it socially, or they just needed one more shot at THE BIG WIN THAT'S COMING & they'll be cured. I can understand that, because i believed that too for the months ( that became years ), for the years ( that became decades ) in the blink of an eye.
CGs climb on high roofs without harnesses, scaffolding or any other safety devices to save them should things go wrong. What can we do ?,simply hold hands & pray to God that there's enough of us to break the fall as they come crashing to the ground. We all need each other despite our journeys & varying opinions.
Best Wishes
AL
Telling someone that you are compulsive gambler is the starting point - before that it sits privately in your head, festering that you arent really worthy of happiness so if you lose the next one it doesnt really matter.
Only when my addiction came into the open could I truly see the damage it caused - before that it was hidden and the day of reckoning might never have come. There is no 'cure' just a way of coping and learning from the mistakes - there will always be gamblers, most will do so 'safely' and within limits but for those of us who get caught the depths are bottomless.
As you say we are all on a journey, let's support one another where we can and signpost help.
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