[JT]

Great points Vera.

I also have been at the low end of the gambling spectrum..driving to rinky dink towns or to an Indian casino in the middle of nowhere. And I would often find myself asking among other things: “Why are you doing this?” Driving hours and hours for what I already know will be a less than quality gambling experience and probably telling a few lies along the way.

You are so right in that our recovery from gambling has to be somewhat selfish too. I never thought about it in that way yet, but it is indeed spot on.

Please keep posting..

[JT]

I used to live in So CA for many, many years Dan in another life. I knew the NV State Line and LV very well. Countless weekend drives to Sin City or hopping on a 45 min flight from Burbank was nearly a daily routine for me.

Living in LA also meant having to entertain many family and friends visiting. This almost always included a trip to Vegas. That was all I needed, another excuse to gamble while being a good host. Although I was never complaining..

I have seen the “real” Vegas once you get past the bright neon lights and walk a bit off of The Strip. The Vegas that has shattered thousands of lives and families.

Yes, in that way, I can relate..

[JT]

Reading some posts here recently got me to thinking about the subject of being able to plan and save for the future when you are a gambler.

Short answer: of course this is impossible to do.

Personally, whenever I would hear (or overhear) people talking about setting money aside to buy a new house, or for their kids’ educational fund, or to purchase a new car, go on a long vacation, etc., etc..I would feel disappointment and sadness when I thought about my own situation.

I wanted to scream aloud “Yes, I want to do and enjoy these things too, but I can’t because I waste my money gambling!”

On a related note, purchasing anything using a monthly installment plan is the worst idea for a gambler. For non-gamblers this is a great idea, but when you gamble you don’t know how much money you will ever have in your pocket day-to-day let alone how much you will have every month. I can’t tell you how many installment plans I have had to reneg on. It’s always pay cash in full for me..so my future money could be focused nearly 100% on gambling without having to worry about another pesky expense.

Yet, going back to the original topic, I want to be able to get excited about my future and my family’s future.If I cannot do this for myself, then I want to change and motivate myself to do it for them.

I want to give them the best this life has to offer and not to lead a s****y existence because of my selfishness to continue gambing for no other reason than my personal pleasure.

[JT]

Thanks very much for your replies and taking the time to read a few of my recent posts.

As you suggested Charles, it makes more sense to just stick with one thread and just keep a running dialogue going.

There are not any GA groups in my part of the Phils (I’m about an hour away from Manila by plane btw) as of now. Although I honestly don’t know if I would go, as I prefer the anonymity of just being online.

I am actively reading your messages, so please also keep posting.

[JT]

I appreciate your encouragement Dan.

I obviosuly also can relate very much to your sentiments.

Onre thought..did you think about creating some type of “barriers” to make it a bit harder for you to gamble?

Sorry I can’t make this longer, I have to run for now.

[JT]

Hi Dan & Vera,

If I may add to the discussion, it has been my feeling that, in most cases, gamblers are quite generous and caring people despite whatever they are facing at the moment.

In my case, even after winning big, I never really was the sort to go out and buy everything in sight. The money would just burn a hole in my pocket until the next trip back to the casino or racetrack. But, if anyone ever asked me for help or they were in need, I would never hesitate to lend a hand.

Vera, I loved your line ” Every time we say no to gambling its a step towards recovery.” I never really thought about it exactly in that context as funny as that may seem , but of course you are exactly right.

Yet, while saying no 99 out of 100 times is excellent, the 1 time that we do say yes is the most disappointing.

Keep up your posts btw, they really do make a difference for many of us!

[JT]

Hi Dan,

I just joined the community a short time ago and found myself reading your journal.

I want to say that I respect your honesty and candor to talk about your ups and downs, highs and lows, and good days and bad days. You are not alone in your efforts to get help and make a better life for yourself and those closest to you.

As a fellow gambler, I can relate and understand many of the things you are going through. While certainly not an “expert”, I would like to offer you my support, my prayers, and my willingness to listen with an open mind and perhaps even a few thoughts from time to time.

Please keep the faith and fight the good fight..

[Author]

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