Activity – Ryan

Ryan posted an update in the group Community 1 years, 2 months ago

I have been hiding a gambling problem for a few years now. We have slot machines called “PA Skills” and they are in every gas station and club in the area I live in. I have two little girls and a loving wife to take care of. My financials are perfectly fine. I have only used money that I have made from a side job that I have but the money is gone and the urges to keep playing are intensifying. I also love playing poker. It is my one true passion in life. I am a successful “live” player but since Covid have been playing online and it hasn’t been going well. I have burned through more money than I am comfortable with. I came clean to my wife about that and haven’t played in two weeks. My issue with the “PA Skill” machines is my main concern. How do I stop?
- kenl replied 1 years, 2 months ago
  
  Hi Ryan
  As simple as it sounds I have stopped One Day At A Time and attend weekly Gamblers Anonymous meetings which help me stay
  focused on recovery for over 20 years now.
  And also attended counseling.
  Wish you well.
  Ken L Grateful Recovering Compulsive Gambler
  - Ryan replied 1 years, 2 months ago
    
    Hi Ken,
    Thank you for your response. I guess my real question is…..how do you know if you truly have a problem and if you do how do you know what kind of help is best for you? I have never gambled away my pay check or even tapped into my bank account. However, all my “play” money is almost gone and that was a fairly large amount at one point. I know that I will never do anything to jeopardize my family’s financial stability, but I’m not sure how to be happy without it. I get so excited by playing and I look for every opportunity to do so. I have tried the one day at a time approach and I find myself back at day one more often than not. The longest I have made it is 5 days. How do I make it longer? Any additional advice you have would be greatly appreciated.
- diamond replied 1 years, 2 months ago
  
  Hi Ryan! Reading your post and comment I personally see a lot of red flags but ultimately the decision is yours. This recovery journey is not a half in/half out process. You need to be fully committed and so sick of your own bullshit that you’re willing to do whatever it takes to stay clean and reach for a better life. The one thing I can tell you from personal experience is this is a progressive illness so what started out as innocent fun turned into a very destructive addiction for me. I didn’t listen to the warning whispers that my life was sending me and as a result my story got a lot worse before I finally heeded the wake up call. Much love and light to you.