Ready to Tackle this Starting with Day 1

Thank you for reading my post. I am ready to take control of my addiction and finally stop gambling! Over the past few months I have a had several trips to the casino where I have lost several thousand dollars. Since I think being honest about my problem is important I will say I probably have lost around 40K in about 8 or 9 years. My last trip cost me over 5k and I realized I need to stop, now. I know I have a problem and need to fix it and get on the right track. For reference I am 29 years old. I know it is just money and I will earn it back, but this trip being fresh in my mind has me really down.

I find myself gambling, mostly blackjack, for hours and hours and never being able to walk away. I see that even if I win I won't be satisfied and most of the time gamble to my last dollar for the trip. I do have a saving account and always pay my bills. The savings account of course could be a lot bigger had I not gambled. I have never done anything besides use my own money to gamble.

I grew up and am in general very financially responsible. But when it comes to gambling I lose control. A combination of the excitement and usually alcohol lead to the problem. It doesn't seem like real money and I lose control. I'll make continuous trips to the ATM, etc. The person I am when I gamble isn't me.

I have gone months without gambling before, but this time want to stop it for good and am looking for accountability. I am looking into ways to limit my access to money and counselors and therapists in my area. This forum is very refreshing to read and to know that others are going through the same struggle as well. I am ready to move forward and put this in the rear view mirror. Thank you for your time and any advice or tips you have would be very useful!

Good for you, and thank you for sharing your story. I am just a few days behind you and wanting to quit forgood myself. I am 28 years old and am in the same boat. I look forward to more post from you to see how you are doing, best of luck.

Blackjack was my game of choice so I understand what you're going through. I could spend countless hours, and even days(only taking bathroom breaks) playing that stupid kiddies game. If i could take back all the time and money I've wasted away with that game I'd' be a very rich, and happy man. The last time I set food in a casino was in November of last year, and I went four different times during the day leaving work unannounced each one and they were all less than 15-20 minutes at a time. My bets were ridiculous and just pissed all 40K of it away in that one day. The next day I called GA, and did the self-exclusion for the 2nd time from all casinos. I haven't set foot in one since then.

Definitely start with self-exclusion from all the casinos in your state, and anywhere close to you. Generally most casinos are generally owned by the same parent company excluding the local, or Indian reservation establishments so it won't take but a few minutes to do, and you'll feel good that you did it afterwards. It takes maybe a few minutes to fill out some paperwork to keep yourself from losing thousands of your hard earned money.

-- Fri Apr 28, 2017 10:47 am --

Also definitely look up gamblers anonymous in your area to find the nearest meeting. They usually have them every day of the week depending on the city you live in so it's easy to stay plugged in and it's one hour of your time.