This question comes to us from Nick.
What should I do if i feel that I’m developing a gambling problem? I already know that i have an addictive personality. I’m an drug addict in recovery. I’ve been clean for over five years. But i’m beginning to feel that i might be creating a gambling problem. Lately i’ve been playing the pokies whenever bored and before i know it i’ve lost $ 100 when i was only intending to put $ 20 in. Should I be looking for support?
Nick, you should like a very self-aware guy. I commend you on being drug and alcohol free for the past 5 years. However, it sounds like you may be starting to swap one addiction for another. Spending more than you intend to is definitely one of the signs of gambling addiction. Some people are more genetically predisposed to addiction. And since you’ve already identified an addictive personality in your own life, it makes sense to stay away from gambling altogether. Instead of gambling, look for another hobby that will give you enjoyment such as competitive sports.
What do you think? Post your response in the comments below!
If you feel like you’re developing the problem, then stop. There is no reason not to, and there are tons of other things to do on the internet than play poker.
If you find you can’t stop, or for whatever reason you don’t stop, you already have a problem, and should seek help.
Congratulations on your last five years but once addicted, always addicted. I’d see someone for help. Sounds like you’re trading one poison for another and I’d find out what’s triggering this after five years of being clean.
yes its so possible. just talk to someone close to you and let them know so they can keep an eye on you. things can get really really bad, you cud lose 10times more money gambling than what we could taking drugs. my bf lost our life savings of 11grand! im trying to help him through it now, i look after his accounts, he seems much happier and less stressed now he’s not got this problem anymore. i had a problem with weed. and i like to do it ever now and then so we made a deal when i have £10 of weed he can have a £10 bet its not often but it stops us hiding things from each other.
sorry went on one there. no be careful sweetie, try and focus your life on something positive, like doing your car up, exercising to get dead fit, art, decorating, learning new things, i dont know something good.
good luck, dont forget to talk to someone about it ok.
Yeah it happens, play some online poker for fake money. So you can still play but not lose any money.
The simple answer is to change addictions to something cheaper and healthy. An addictive personality can rarely give up an addiction without replacing it with something else.
Seek help now before it gets too out of hand and you get in too much debt. Gamblers Anonymous would be a great place to start. Congratulations on your 5 years of being clean, that’s awesome.
I, too have an addictive personality and have been sober for over 10 years now from alcohol. I wish you all the best!
Definitely! It might be useful to join a gambling support group.
Or better yet- find something different to do with your time when you are bored. Even watching TV is better- cause at least you’re not loosing money doing it!
You need to stop gambling all together if you are feeling addicted to it- it’s just like alcohol, smokes or other drugs- you can’t doing them without feeling the need to do them again. Sorry.