Remembering the Last Time you gambled

Hi all,

I thought of writing here again because this site had helped me a lot, with the great admins and moderators with their replies and postings.

Yesterday, I met an ex-member of GA which I used to attend GA classes with. It kinda rekindle the journey that we had trying to kick this bad addiction of gambling. I had posted here before the number of days I had quit gambling, but I feel that it just doesn't work for me. What works for me is that I remember the time I last gambled and what was the feeling that I had after I had lost.

So just to share, the recent World Cup 2018, a working colleague of mine was a bit obsessed with it.
He is a football fan. I don't think he gambles but he used to say that had he gambled, he would had made a lot. So, when it came to the semifinal of WC, the four of us took a casual bet. We all pick a team each, and the winner of the bet would enjoy a meal treat funded by the 3 losers.

I didn't pay much attention, but my team, Croatia got to the final. And it lost. I watch the game, but didn't really have much interest in soccer anymore because I just didn't want to associate to it anymore. I had done soccer betting in the past. Needless to say, Croatia lost.

When it came to the treat day last week, I felt the pinch of this bet that I made although it was a casual one. The 3 of us had to foot the bill, and we felt it was rather an expensive treat.

Well, this is a lesson for me. Never to bet even those casual bets. Never.
As long as something is at stake, the pain of losing is always going to be there. I rather lose in other things, but never in a bet anymore.

I have decided too, not to remember the date of my last gamble before that, as I did gamble in casino somewhere in April or May, when work, family life, and everything just wasn't that great.

I have decided that it is no longer a celebration of remembering the days of gambling free, because it will just keep in me the thought of "something related to gambling". So now, I just on with life, avoiding thing that can trigger back my gambling. Enjoying my food, the relationship with my family, the positive friends that come to my life, etc. Life is great that I don't have to think of gambling anymore ...as to how much of damage it has done to me in the past.
Wake up every day and smell the roses.

It's so good to hear from you again RicardoG . It sounds like you're doing great and your encouragement and support here is much appreciated !

I make myself remember the last time I gambled because it was a critical turning point in my life . It's when the light bulb came on and I realized that I was capable of gambling myself into complete destruction . The sheer stupidity of my last gamble hammered home the fact that I no longer cared about the consequences of what I was doing . It's a painful memory but in spite of that , it serves me well .

Thanks for post and very glad for your recovery.

I remember the last time. I also have a tape of many dozens of memories which ended in pain and desperation. When I don't remember I hear a newcomer at a GA meeting remind me of the absolute misery.

Critical to keep me on the beam.

I play that tape ALL the way thru. The end is always the same. Ive either been left penniless, or with a win that leads to 100% obsession to get back to casino over and over again.... I was insane.

It has been awhile since I have been here.

Guess I'm just too happy seeing my virtual long lost friends over here.
You guys are the best, NewSunRIsing, uskat and all you encouragers and contributors.
God bless you all!!! Have a great year ahead.

I love to see our old friends drop by too , RicardoG . It warms my heart to see so many of you continuing to live life free from this destructive addiction . It sends a powerful message of hope to our members who are just starting their recovery journey . It can be a hard and lonely road but the caring and encouragement from our community here can and does make a difference . I believe this with all my heart .

Great to read that your doing well.


For me its been about a week ago i´d say.
cant even remember the excact date because thats how numb i am
but that´s when it finally hit me that i have a problem and now i´m here.

I remember the last day I gambled. It was 9 days ago. I was nearing my 90 days gamble-free mark, and then it happened ...

I know it takes time to get over this addiction. I see how everyone on this forum is struggling.

You'll get there RF . The gamble-free time you accumulated still has much value . It is not been erased or made meaningless by a relapse . Think on what triggered you to gamble again . Boredom ? Stress ? Unhappiness ? Simply to shut up the urges ? Maybe all of the above ?

You can learn from this and recognize the same situation when or if it arises again . And next time , you will do something different .

Hi NSR,

Last time I gambled, I felt a sudden need to take a "risk." Gambling gives me a "high" unlike anything else. The feeling of my life being on the line brings me an adrenaline rush unlike any other. Worst case, if I lose all the cash in my wallet, I walk away defeated ... but my body parts are still intact.

NSR said: Think on what triggered you to gamble again . Boredom ? Stress ? Unhappiness ? Simply to shut up the urges ? Maybe all of the above ?
How true. We must dig deep to find the answers to the above. it's not always easy but trying to find answers can most certainly be a fruitful search .
jeez....I know it's hard....mb i'm just bad at chasing losses...I dunno

98 days gamble free...
I ain't givin' up!!