Swapping one addiction for another....advice

4 Posts
2 Users
0 Likes
1,076 Views
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

I am 23 days GF and I kind of feel like I am swapping one addiction for another?

I've always liked a drink but I am finding myself turning to it more now that I am gamble free.

Stressed? Have a glass of wine. Want to relax? Gin and tonic....you get the idea

I am not drinking to a level that I feel is dangerous or passing out.etc. but definitely drinking more than the average person. I just feel like I am drinking more than when I was gambling. I am going through family issues right now and I feel this is another reason why I am turning to alcohol more than usual.

Does anyone have a similar experience or advice?

 
Posted : 7th September 2018 4:36 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5946
Admin
 

Hello,

Thank you for your candidness. You have touched on a subject that I'm guessing will be familiar to many others on this Forum. The two things can go together: alcohol and gambling. Where alcohol can relax (seemingly) and disinhibit, gambling can excite and make us feel invincible.

You seem to have discovered that you have more than one crutch...take one away and you can become more dependent on the other to hold you up (emotionally). If you havent already, please consder counselling.

The emotional issues that usually underpin our addicitons can be hard to reach, a professioanl might be able to help. Contact the Helpline or Netline and get some more information, whenever you feel ready to do so.

Good question to ask, hopefully a good a constuctive discussion can be created.

Forum Admin.

 
Posted : 7th September 2018 5:20 pm
(@Anonymous)
Posts: 0
Topic starter
 

Thank you for the advice. I've known for years that I need councelling but I'm kind of scared of it I guess. Trying to handle things myself but know deep down that I can't. Are the chatrooms still open on here? I hate talking on the phone but some kind of online councelling isn't so scary.

 
Posted : 7th September 2018 5:45 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5946
Admin
 

Hi laurainsky,

counselling can be scary, but it is worth going through the process to gain insight and perhaps a new perspective.

Yes, you can always call the Netline to speak to an adviser one-to-one but that isn't the same as counselling. In counselling you will se the same counsellor once a week for a period of time, and you pick up where you left off in the last session.

Online counselling is done via webcam, so you would still see someone, but perhaps that is a less scarier option. Alternatively you can also arrange for telephone counselling. You can discuss all the options with the adviser on the Netline.

All the best,

Eva

Forum Admin

 
Posted : 8th September 2018 8:50 am

We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.

Find out more
Close