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Day 7: It’s been exactly a week since I’ve been in a casino. I feel a pull to go today but I will decide to not do that, because I know that I start out optimistic and then end up feeling frustrated and sad when I’m leaving. It’s more than time to take stock and be realistic about this, instead of idealistic.

I attended my first meeting last Friday (a phone meeting). There were several people that were new and not too much of a surprise that most of us new people live in Michigan. I’m bombarded with casino and online betting commercials on TV that play nearly constantly, billboards while I’m driving, things like that. Images of how Fun! this all is, hahaha. Maybe at first but not so much anymore, at least for me. During the meeting I felt supported and understood. It was really hard to say my name and that I’m a gambling addict. That made this more real and concrete somehow, as if my empty savings account wasn’t real enough for me. I do plan to continue to attend the meetings because I need the support. If we could all do this alone we wouldn’t be here, right?

So, I’ll say to all of you reading this what the people at the meeting told me. Keep coming back. Keep reaching out, even when you feel embarrassed or angry or sad or frustrated. Especially when you’re feeling that way, because that’s the best time to reach out to people that will understand you. Hugs and high fives and keep picking yourself up, and one day at a time, do not go to the casino, and do not go online to gamble. You can do it! Just for today.