Hi Gayla,

I'm Karen from Minnesota. I only joined the group about 3 weeks ago also. I
am addicted to online slot machines. I just looked last night on the web for
GA groups in my area. There are a few. I am a recovering drinker, been
sober 2 weeks shy on 1 year. What I did was change one addiction for the other.
Lucky me huh. I know what you say about hit rock bottom, no more money
sources. What I am going to suggest is trying AA. The programs are run the
same I
guess. There must be AA groups around. I did find out that alcoholics when
they become sober turn a lot of times to gambling because we still need the
high. Remember, gambling is a disease just like alcoholics have a disease. We
can't control ourselves without help. Sure, we might go a day or two without
gambling, but then we need something in our lives because we are bored or
whatever. This is when I think an AA program could help. I looked on the web
last
night and read a ton of stuff on gambling addition through alcoholics
anonymous. Learned a lot about myself and just why I might gamble. Read and
learn
about this disease. My addition is the Internet on line casinos. Used to be
land based casinos, gave that up 5 years ago, stayed clean for 4 1/2 years of
no gambling and then got a computer in my home. Well, didn't take more that a
month with the new computer before I had spent about $6,000 from credit card
advances. When they tell an alcoholic that he can't even have one drink, well
its true of a gambler also because I am heavier into it now that ever before.
I hear you Gayla, I'm also trying to figure out how to get help and I know
just emailing people and being able to admit my shame, anger at myself and keep
my little secret to myself and this group has helped some. I wish you good
luck.
Karen in Minnesota


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