As we bid adieu to 2023, it is essential to reflect on the journey of growth. This year marked many ups with twice as many downs. The year started out great. I had everything I ever wanted in life: a loving, supportive, smart, and beautiful significant other. A great, snuggly and loving cat that we both loved and cared for very much. A few months into the year, I had a realization that I might have a problem and took a timeout on all sportsbooks.Once the timeout was up, I went right back to it because I felt like I was missing out on so much. The “I’ve had it moment” happened a few weeks later when I looked at my credit card statements and noticed I had $0 left, and was down to $90 in my bank account. I felt guilty depositing $10 into the sportsbook just for it to lose the second I placed the bet. Yet I still did it. Even though in the back of my mind i knew exactly what was going to happen. I ended up losing that $10, and a whole lot more than I wanted. The next few months came with some therapy and other changes that needed to be made.
The turning point came with a decision- to not only confront my own addiction but to also channel that experience into something meaningful. It wasn't just about personal redemption; it was about extending a helping hand to others navigating the treacherous waters that is gambling addiction. As I embarked on this journey of recovery and assistance, 2023 became a year marked by invaluable lessons. I learned the power of vulnerability- how opening up about struggles can not only aid personal healing but also foster connections with others facing similar challenges. It was in these moments of shared vulnerability that I discovered immense strength and solidarity within communities dedicated to supporting one another through adversity.
Education played a pivotal role as well. Understanding the psychological mechanisms behind addiction, learning coping strategies and exploring healthier outlets for excitement and entertainment became integral parts of my recovery process. Moreover, the empathy cultivated from walking this taxing path helped in empathizing with others battling similar demons.
But perhaps the most significant lesson gleaned from this recovery journey is the importance of resilience and perseverance. Overcoming addiction is not a linear journey- It’s filled with setbacks, moments of doubt, and the need for unwavering determination. Yet, each stumble became an opportunity for introspection and growth, reinforcing the resolve to lead a life from the shackles of addiction.
Looking ahead to 2024, the horizon appears brighter. It’s a commitment to continue supporting others, offering a guiding light for those navigating the complexities of addiction. As we step into the unknown of the upcoming year, there is a sense of anticipation- a gamble, if you will. But this time, it’s a gamble on a future free from the grips of addiction. It’s a wager on personal growth, resilience, and the unwavering determination to lead a fulfilling, wholesome life.
Thank you all for coming back and reading my blogs for the last four months. If you’re new here, thanks for checking out my end of year blog. I hope my blogs have been helpful in your recovery journeys. If not, please let me know what I can do to help. Let's continue to grow and move towards a gamble- free 2024. Life gets better, one day at a time.
My advice for those who want to change:
Delete the sportsbook apps.
Forever, do not re-download
Self-exclude yourself.
Asking a gambling venue to exclude you from the venue or a gambling activity offered by the venue.
Lifetime ban, if not the maximum years
If you have a loved one, they will be affected by it in some way, come clean to them about what you are doing. If it gets pushed back and not talked about, It could be worse in the future.
Gambling addiction is one of the most secretive addictions out there, stop hiding from your loved one and tell them EVERYTHING
Attend a GA meeting (online or in person)
Find a therapist that specializes in addiction.
Make better habits
Hit the gym
Watch what youre feeding your mind
Nutrition
Social media
Books
YT videos
Read books
Learn about the gambling addiction
When you learn enough and change your mindset, you will eventually understand why you started in the first place. There are often underlying issues that contribute to gambling addiction.
If sports gambling is the main culprit, STOP WATCHING SPORTS
Watching sports for us compulsive sports bettors is the gateway drug.
Delete all sports apps
Unfollow all sports teams and fan pages from social media
Give control of your finances to a trusted person
For gamblers, seeing money in a bank account could increase the risk of gambling, thinking we could turn that $100 in the account to $1k is not the right mindset to have.
If you have a line of credit, cut up your credit cards, close the accounts.
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