Got addicted to gambling at age 18

blue_green_lake wrote:
No offense, transformations, but though you have been a poster on psych forums, you are not a regular poster here. Perhaps you have a reason for your probing questions to Joe, trying to prompt rational thinking, but for someone with an acute gambling addiction, they need more understanding. This is a site where recovering compulsive gamblers and those currently with a problem post to help each other.

Are you saying that I am not allowed to ask ANY questions? So far what I have seen in these forums that people are allowed both support the posters as well as ask questions and so on. Honestly, I am just curious what OP train of thought is about all of this.

your transformations wrote:Are you saying that I am not allowed to ask ANY questions? So far what I have seen in these forums that people are allowed both support the posters as well as ask questions and so on. Honestly, I am just curious what OP train of thought is about all of this.

You are allowed to post, of course, since the forum is open to anyone on Psych forums. However, protocol would suggest that you read through some threads to get an idea of what kind of site this is. We are here to help each other and you didn't have suggestions for a person who his hurting, just questions as to his motive. GA says that is not important to understand why we gamble, in order to become abstinent and to move on to a better life.

I, personally, am interested in the underlying causes of addictions, but it isn't necessary to intellectually understand that realm in order to change. Perhaps your initial question to the OP was not out of order, but keeping it up seemed to be a bit of badgering, but it was rather clear that the OP needed something else.

blue_green_lake wrote:

your transformations wrote:Are you saying that I am not allowed to ask ANY questions? So far what I have seen in these forums that people are allowed both support the posters as well as ask questions and so on. Honestly, I am just curious what OP train of thought is about all of this.

You are allowed to post, of course, since the forum is open to anyone on Psych forums. However, protocol would suggest that you read through some threads to get an idea of what kind of site this is. We are here to help each other and you didn't have suggestions for a person who his hurting, just questions as to his motive. GA says that is not important to understand why we gamble, in order to become abstinent and to move on to a better life.

I, personally, am interested in the underlying causes of addictions, but it isn't necessary to intellectually understand that realm in order to change. Perhaps your initial question to the OP was not out of order, but keeping it up seemed to be a bit of badgering, but it was rather clear that the OP needed something else.

Could you tell me (perhaps post a link) where can I see this protocol you are talking about? I haven't red anywhere yet that you must only make posts that directly help/support the person who is posting. (not to mention in this case it seemed like the OP was just venting and as he said he had a hold of his problem, for now, so not in need of a immediate help.)

Thanks.

I know I need to be honest with her.. It eats me alive everyday that I lied about money because I couldn't control myself.I have relapsed multiple times and each time she given me another chance but I feel deep down that this might be my last and it scares the hell out of me

The poster told you in the nicest way possible. If you're asking why it shows you have no experience with addiction or with gambling. No disrespect but it's an amateur question. We only want people with experience on here. I'll try to help though.

Addiction can be down to many reasons. Even though one knows what he/she is doing is bad they can't help it. Their body and mind craves it that all rationality gets thrown out he window. That's what addiction does. Addiction is also getting used to something and needing it to get by or at least thinking so. Addiction becomes repetition and part of that person and what they do. They might not be able to pay their bills etc but because they're addicted they disregard that and do it anyway. Stupid, illogical, idiotic, whatever you want to call it. Addiction takes over the good and smart side the brain and any good decisions will be dismissed because they want/need their fix.


Why did he gamble? Could be 1000 reasons. Regardless one will gamble because they're addicted. Could just be that. They're used to it. Could have gambled because it made then feel good at some stage and they did it to boost their mood. Could have did it for 1000 reasons now they might not even matter they're that used to it it becomes part of them.

They're addicted.

housealwayswins wrote:The poster told you in the nicest way possible. If you're asking why it shows you have no experience with addiction or with gambling. No disrespect but it's an amateur question. We only want people with experience on here. I'll try to help though.

I really didn't know that only self proclaimed experts are allowed to participate in these forums (a meeting or medium where ideas and views on a particular issue can be exchanged).

To Joe, I am sorry if my questions offended you in any way, that was not my intention, I have a rather different philosophy about these matters from the traditional views. I hope you get the courage to be honest with your wife and you both have enough strength to get you through this - together. Good luck!

Personally, I find comments by folks who have "been there" very helpful. Folks that have serious gambling problems are not acting rationally. The most helpful posts are from folks who will share their experiences and then share how they are overcoming them. In my humble opinion, this is not a site for curious, nosey people asking absurd questions of folks who have the courage to bare their problem.

To Joe, I am sorry if my questions offended you in any way, that was not my intention, I have a rather different philosophy about these matters from the traditional views. I hope you get the courage to be honest with your wife and you both have enough strength to get you through this - together. Good luck![/quote]

You just caught me off gaurd with your questions.. When I go to a casino I think to myself that off I double my money I'll leave. But that never happens our I will leave them go back the next day and lose that and more. The idea that I could put a dollar in and win let's say $100 kept me going the bonus rounds the atmosphere the friends I gained that had a liking to gambling. When I got bored gambling filled that void. When I say st a slot machine I was in my own happy place all my worries left me all negative thoughts turned into positive thoughts and I felt good. But once I lost everything then that feeling of remorse of what have I done or ###$ I could of used that to pay my car note our use that money to go on a vacation.... Then I tell myself I and quitiing so 2 days pass and then BOOM nothing but slot machines cloud my head. To the point that's all I thought about. When I got to the point of having no money I would watch videos on YouTube of people winning jackpots to fill my addiction...

Well tomorrow will be 28 days since I have put a penny in a slot machine and it feels great. I get a urges but they are not strong ones. Kinda like my brain asking a question hey wasn't too go gamble and my amber is NO sorry if that was corny.. Anyways looking forward to the future hoping I won't relapse.

joetheloser wrote:Well tomorrow will be 28 days since I have put a penny in a slot machine and it feels great. I get a urges but they are not strong ones. Kinda like my brain asking a question hey wasn't too go gamble and my amber is NO sorry if that was corny.. Anyways looking forward to the future hoping I won't relapse.

Congratulations on 28 days GF, Joe!! I wish you a day of no gambling, then repeat.

Coming to this forum will help prevent relapses, also, going to GA, if you have one there.

Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous life.