by Mike Hazelwood

Created on: December 04, 2008

Everything has a beginning, and so do our addictions. Do you remember the first day or night at the casino? It started out as fun didn't it? Then slowly for some reason we find that it is not fun anymore, and the more we go the more control the disastrous lifestyle has over us. This is when we become addicted. I am one of those people who fight their own personal demon of gambling addiction. The highs of winning several thousand dollars can eat at your soul, beckoning you deeper into a personal lifestyle of reckless behavior. For when the demon is in control most think of themselves and another high, and not the loved ones, which are hurt in the end. The result we are flirting with the disaster of gambling addiction.

I remember many long nights of cold sweats with the demon, tantalizing and teasing me with thoughts of bells, whistles and winning, and finally I would give in making it to a casino to lose it all. I am one of those who wrestle and fight daily with his own demon of destruction, just as some of you are who are looking for help with gambling addiction. I have personally sought help with my disastrous lifestyle of gambling addiction, and I will explain to you some simple steps in getting help.

When gambling becomes a problem - How many times, do you personally think about going to the casino to win money? Do you think about it more than once per day? When wrestling with my own personal demon, he constantly shows dollars signs. I think about the money, which I will surely win when I get there, but when reality hits, and all is lost, I got very depressed. Then the vicious circle comes into play, maybe I will win big if I go next weekend, and the result is mostly always the same. The first thing we must admit is that we have a problem, and by admitting this, we can then start to find healing within ourselves.

Finding help with our problems of gambling addiction - There are many doorways, we can enter into, but we must enter the right doors to get help. Don't let the demon shut the door to healing. You may ask," Where do I find help with my gambling addictions." First, we must examine our addictions and ourselves by admitting to the problem, which is destroying us. We must remember our addictions were not created overnight, and with anything, it will take time to heal from our wounds. Many casinos and states offer help by signing up for their exclusion lists, so you cannot enter in to the casino. Phone numbers are also listed on the back of the casino literature for gambling addiction help lines, these counselors will put you into touch with local gambler anonymous groups in your area. Many casinos offer help in paying for personal counseling regarding gambling addictions. By taking these first steps, you can learn to walk before you learn to run; this initial step can help break some of the chains of gambling addiction in our lives.

Remember we are human - Every person who struggles with the demon of gambling addiction must remember we are only human, and we will struggle and fall on our face at times. However, every day we go without gambling, some of the temptations will fade away. The scars from our past behavior will always be there, but we can get help in dealing with our problems. Even scars begin to fade with time!

If you need someone to talk too feel free to email me, and I will be glad to help.

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