The Value of Time: Reflecting on 1,350 Hours Saved from Gambling

 

When I look back on the last 450 days of abstaining from gambling, I am struck by the realization that I have saved nearly 1,350 hours by not gambling. This number isn’t just a statistic; it represents a profound shift in my life. For years, I was caught in the relentless cycle of sports gambling, losing not just money but countless hours of precious time. Understanding the significance of these lost hours has been a crucial part of my recovery journey.

The Hidden Cost of Gambling

Gambling isn’t just about the money you lose. One of the most insidious costs is the time it steals from you. Each minute spent obsessing over bets, watching games with a single-minded focus on the outcome, and chasing losses is a minute that could have been spent on something far more meaningful. Time, unlike money, is a resource we can never get back. Every hour lost to gambling is an hour taken from our relationships, hobbies, personal growth, and overall well-being.

Breaking Down 1,350 Hours

To put 1,350 hours into perspective:

• 56 Days: This is nearly two full months of uninterrupted time.

• Work Weeks: If you consider a standard 40-hour workweek, it's over 33 weeks of work.

• Leisure Activities: It’s the equivalent of watching 675 two-hour movies or reading countless books.

The enormity of this time loss becomes even more apparent when we consider what could be achieved in this period. For instance, I could have learned a new skill, deepened my relationships, improved my physical health, or simply relaxed and enjoyed life.

The Importance of Realizing Time Lost

Recognizing the time lost to gambling is crucial for several reasons:

1. Perspective: It provides a stark perspective on the true cost of gambling. This isn’t just about financial losses but about the irreplaceable moments we sacrifice.

2. Motivation: Understanding the value of time lost can serve as a powerful motivator to stay on the path of recovery. It reinforces the importance of making every moment count.

3. Rebuilding Life: Acknowledging lost time helps in setting new priorities and goals. It’s a reminder to invest our time in activities that enrich our lives and bring us closer to our true selves.

Making the Most of Reclaimed Time

Having saved these 1,350 hours, I now focus on making the most of my time. Here are some ways I’ve been doing this:

• Building Relationships: Spending quality time with family and friends, rebuilding bonds that gambling had strained.

• Personal Development: Engaging in activities that foster growth, such as reading, learning new skills, and pursuing hobbies.

• Health and Wellness: Investing time in physical exercise and mental well-being, activities that were often neglected during my gambling days.

• Giving Back: Volunteering and helping others who are on a similar path to recovery.

Conclusion

The 1,350 hours I’ve saved by not gambling have been a gift—an opportunity to reclaim my life and focus on what truly matters. If you’re struggling with compulsive gambling, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on the time you’ve lost and consider the endless possibilities that await you when you choose to invest your time wisely. Every moment counts, and it’s never too late to start making the most of each one.

One Year Alcohol Free

 366 days ago, I took my last sips of alcohol. I was not much of a drinker to start. I was more of a social drinker. Mostly at friends houses with other people drinking. So, do I think I had a problem? No. But, this particular time, I straight up blacked out. I do not remember much of what happened after a certain point (obviously what blacking out is). All I remember is throwing up on the floor, barely able to make it back to the bathroom. I am sorry I put you guys through that. I miss and love you both. I have not seen them much since, nor have I been invited to in person events since then. Do I understand why? One hundred percent, yes. 

What's the Purpose of this Blog?

I am not sitting behind this computer screen saying for you to stop drinking or for me to brag and boast about one year of sobriety. However, I have been seeing more and more people who have relapsed citing alcohol as a reason. For us gamblers of any kind, alcohol can give us those bad thoughts. The "ehh, it's just a few hundred dollars, I'll be fine" kind of thoughts. Basically giving the extra push to make those poor life choices. So, what I am telling you is basically what worked to help stop gambling and that includes mind altering substances such as alcohol.

The Connection Between Gambling and Alcohol

1. Impaired Judgment: Alcohol impairs cognitive functions, which can lead to poor decision-making and risky behaviors. For gambling addicts, this can mean increased susceptibility to placing bets they can’t afford, chasing losses, and making irrational decisions that can spiral into significant financial and emotional turmoil.

2. Lowered Inhibitions: Alcohol lowers inhibitions, making it easier to give in to the urge to gamble. This is particularly dangerous for those in recovery, as a single lapse in judgment can lead to a full-blown relapse.

3. Stress and Emotional Management: Both gambling and alcohol are often used as coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. When combined, the reliance on these substances to manage emotions can create a vicious cycle, making recovery from either habit increasingly difficult.

4. Co-Addiction: Many individuals struggling with gambling addiction also face issues with alcohol abuse. This dual addiction can complicate recovery, making it essential to address both simultaneously for a more effective and sustainable recovery process.

Consequences of Continuing to Drink While Quitting Gambling

1. Increased Risk of Relapse: As mentioned, alcohol impairs judgment and lowers inhibitions, significantly increasing the risk of a gambling relapse. The temptation to gamble can become overwhelming when under the influence of alcohol.

2. Financial Strain: Both gambling and drinking can lead to substantial financial difficulties. Continuing to drink while trying to quit gambling can exacerbate financial problems, making it harder to regain control of one's life.

3. Emotional and Mental Health Issues: Alcohol can worsen feelings of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, which are common among gambling addicts. This can create a downward spiral, making recovery even more challenging.

4. Health Risks: Chronic alcohol consumption poses significant health risks, including liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of accidents and injuries. For someone already dealing with the stress of gambling addiction recovery, these additional health concerns can be overwhelming.

Tips for Quitting Both Alcohol and Gambling

1. Seek Professional Help: Engaging with a counselor, therapist, or support group can provide the necessary tools and support to tackle both addictions. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational interviewing (MI) are effective therapeutic approaches.

2. Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with friends and family who support your journey. Joining support groups, such as Gamblers Anonymous (GA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can also provide a sense of community and shared experience. While the "Compulsive Gamblers in Recovery" group is mostly for gambling addicts looking to stop, we welcome those who have other addictions looking to quit as well. Check it out here: https://discord.gg/tDgfVpUW

3. Develop Healthy Coping Mechanisms: Find alternative ways to cope with stress and emotional triggers. Exercise, meditation, hobbies, and creative outlets can all be powerful tools in managing cravings and maintaining sobriety.

4. Create a Structured Routine: Establishing a daily routine can help reduce the chances of boredom and idle time, which are common triggers for both gambling and drinking. Keep yourself engaged with productive and fulfilling activities.

5. Set Clear Goals and Celebrate Milestones: Setting short-term and long-term goals can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, to stay motivated and positive.

6. Mindfulness and Self-Reflection: Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present and aware of your thoughts and emotions. Regular self-reflection can help you identify triggers and develop strategies to manage them effectively.

   
   

   Stay grinding, stop gambling. Life gets better. One day at a time