Frequently Asked Questions on Gambling Addiction, Compulsive Gambling and Stop Gambling
Posted: Sunday, October 17, 2004
by Howard Keith
I Stopped Gambling, LLC
Everyday I receive emails from compulsive gamblers and family and friends of gamblers who have so many questions related to this addiction. There lives have been negatively affected by gambling and are looking for answers.
There are so many wonderful programs out there to help the compulsive gambler. When a gambler finds a program that works for them, they've scored a home run. Each program is different, but if the end result you stopped gambling then once again you've scored a home run.
I finally stopped gambling, when will my depression go away?
As your self esteem increases, people have noticed a decrease in their depression. If you continue to feel depressed you should consult your friend physician.
How can I expect others to trust me when I don’t trust myself?
Everything is one day at a time. Sometimes you can not get back the trust of a loved one and/or friend. You can gain back that trust in your self. Taking a progressive attitude toward your life will enable you to go forward. As you go forward your outlook changes. You start to realize that you no longer have to hide anything. Once you begin to be upfront and honest with people, you start to develop new bonds. Others will notice the positive change in you. You will no longer be secretive. You have nothing to hide. As you begin to heal the trust in yourself starts to grow.
I finally stopped gambling, do I really need a support group?
Everyone is different. No one has to belong to a support group. A majority of people found that relating to people in a support group or Chat Room atmosphere that have a common goal to stop gambling helped them to remain a non gambler.
I finally stopped gambling, how will the I Stopped Gambling chat room help me?
As you begin to participate in the chat room you can determine this for your self. The I Stopped Gambling chat room is a wonderful place for people to heal together. We have all opened our eyes and realized that our life no longer revolves around gambling. Everyone here wants to understand more about what they are going through, looking forward to the future and most of all not to allow this to happen again. Staying focused through the encouragement of others. We are doing it together.
I finally stopped gambling, how do I stop my wife/husband from divorcing me?
This is a very difficult question to answer. From all the people I have talked to, it appears a majority of people eventually work out their differences. The smaller percentage of people who went forward with a divorce happened either because they had grown in different directions and/or they had a lack of trust. If you tell your spouse that you finally quit and then a few weeks later you start gambling, especially if you do this four or five times, It would be extremely difficult for that person to trust you.
My friends are gamblers, can I stay friends with them?
This is a decision you have to make. Time will tell whether or not these people will remain in your life. A majority of people usually move on and develop healthier relationships. Sometimes old friends come back into your life.
I stopped gambling, but my spouse has not, what can I do?
You made the decision to stop gambling because it was having a negative affect on your life. Your spouse will not quit until they want to and is ready to really quit. You should be very proud of yourself. Take one day at a time. As you become stronger and more positive about your life this may have a positive affect on your wife. You should continue to reach for your goals for a brighter tomorrow.
Can I go in or near the casinos?
It’s recommended that you stay away from any triggers that could cause you to gamble again. One quarter will turn into ten dollars, hundred dollars and thousands of dollars. You are the best judge in this situation.
I need money, how can I pay my bills?
Your first thought may be going back to gambling. This will only make things worse. You may be fortunate to win, but will you leave with the money or go back with it the next day and lose it. It’s time to stop gambling. Make payment arrangements and try to get a debt consolidation loan. Borrowing more money at an unrealistic interest will only keep you in debt longer. Consult with an accountant to look over your financial affairs. Remember, now is not the time to make drastic decisions. Take the time to make a sound decision. Bankruptcy should be your last resort.
For those who are still searching for a way to stop compulsive gambling addiction, there are new innovative websites available to help.
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)As a recovering alcoholic the 12 steps were a life saver. Is the 12 step program recommended to compulsive gamblers?
OMG, My good friend lent me $40 and said not to worry about it. I was to pay her half last week and the other half this week. She is not working and believe she had hugh loss at casino and now she is getting ugly regarding the $40. Now she doesn't want to chase around to collect in 2 payments. It is only $40 we are talking about here. She now told me, she hopes it is worth it for me over $40 because she wants me to lose her number. I believe she used me to cash checks for her at the casino because she is not allowed to after writing a bad check there. She always paid me back but now she is acting crazy. What do you think went wrong here?
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