Anybody here have a gambling problem?

[PinkTiger]

I have one and I need to do something about it. We don't have Gambler's Anonymous here, and I don't really want to go to AA for this.

Ideas?

[KitchenWitch]

1. You may want to see if you can get some literature

from the GA homepage at http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/

You may want to consider starting a meeting too.

[JimmyJazz]

2. I don't have a gambling problem, but I bet I could.

Seriously. I have an addictive personality and I live very close to slots and major casinos (Atlantic City isn't far at all). I've gambled a few times, but resist the urge to go because I can see where it could easily become a problem. I hope you find help. And, we can still be supportive of you.

[JimmyJazz]

3. I just re-read this and realized my VERY poor choice of words!

I am terribly sorry. It's just an expression and I didn't mean it to sound so friggin' callous. Mea culpa :blush:

[lizzieforkerry]

4. My dad has been a compulsive gambler for 20 years

It has completely destroyed his life. Most GA's are a joke. I know some people have luck with Paxil/Wellbutrin. Might want to talk to your doctor about this. It didn't really help with my dad but he didn't start taking it until he was in jail. Gambling is one of the hardest addictions to overcome because unlike alcohol and drugs, you have to have money to live. It is not possible for you to give up money like an alcoholic gives up alcohol or a druggy gives up cocaine. You will be unable to remove yourself from situations that may trigger gambling. Good luck, if you need to talk more please let me know. You are off to a good start admitting that you have a problem.

[PinkTiger]

5. Thanks - sorry I didn't come back here sooner.

I'm trying to get myself together.
We don't have a GA around here. We have AA, but I don't have a drinking problem -- hate drinking, actually, -- so that would not work for me.
Besides, I think gambling, especially for women, is a serious problem.
I think most of us gamblers have a problem admitting it.
I've hit bottom, I believe, -- I hope!!!

My financial situation is at an all time low.

But I'm not gambling lately. It has been about a month since I've been to a casino, and I'm doing my best to stay out of them.
I do realize this is a minute to minute decision a person has to make. I have to reaffirm my decision not to take part in gambling.

What I was looking for, I guess, when I posted here, was to hear if anyone else had a problem and had been able to effectively deal with it. I'm a bit sorry to say I'm not finding a lot of people who have been able to stop. This is really disheartening. A little like Dr. Bob and Bill W's early situation, when Dr. Bob was trying to effectively help alcoholics quit and nobody was able to stop drinking and stay sober.