Fanduel emailed me....

 Fanduel emailed me today…..

To say I was tempted is not wrong. I did not close my Fanduel account just yet because I wasn't sure what would happen with the tax information I needed from some of my wins last year. The other accounts (DK, Barstool Sportsbook, BetMGM) had been deleted and were not able to get back in. The second I opened the app, I immediately looked to see if I had any money in the account. To my surprise I found $15 “collecting dust”. In the back of my mind, I thought, its just $15, I can use it for a game…. Or I can withdraw it. I withdrew the money from that account right away. F that noise. I am not going back. Why? I lost so much more than just money from doing that, why would i want to continue or fall back into it? Not everyone can feel that. Thats fine. Relapses happen. Relapses are not the end of the world. Its the part of recovery that says “hey, lets try something else, lets make changes to our recovery” Take parts of what worked and change the parts that did not. 

Why relapse happen: 

1.     Triggers and stressors: Identifying any triggers that can lead to a gambling urge is essential to stopping. Stress, financial difficulties or emotional turmoil can contribute to relapses. Understanding these triggers can help individuals develop coping mechanisms.

2.     Overcoming the comfort zone: Gambling may have served as a coping mechanism in the past. When faced with stress or boredom, individuals may find solace in the familiar act of gambling which can lead to relapse.

3.     Lack of Support: A robust support system is crucial in recovery. Relapses may occur when individuals feel isolated or lack the necessary support from friends, family or support groups. 

 

Why relapses are okay: 

1.     Learning opportunities: Instead of viewing relapses as failures, turn it around and view it as a learning opportunity. Analyze the circumstances leading to the relapse and use this insight to strengthen the coping mechanism.

2.     Progress is linear: Recovery is rarely a linear process. Ups and downs are natural, and relapses do not erase the progress made. Each setback can be a stepping stone toward long term recovery.

3.     Self- compassion: be kind to yourself. Acknowledge the relapse, but do not let the guilt or shame hinder your progress.

After I received my $15, I did this: 

SEE YA NEVR FAN DUEL 

I am 3 weeks away from surviving an entire football season without 1) watching most of the games ( I watched 1 Chicago Bears game this past season (they won, youre welcome Bears fans))  and 2) blowing my hard earned money on stupid bets that will never hit. I know there are many people out there that can sit, put a few dollars on a game and be content. I am not one of them. Thats why it was important to take a step back from watching sports of any kind this past year and focus on more important matters in life (Recovery, mental and physical health and finances). If you're a sports bettor looking to make a change in your life because you're tired of just everything, make sure to read the latest blog, along with all the other blogs to learn more about gambling addiction and recovery. Life is better when we are not tied down by these addictions. Together, we can live a better life, one day at a time.