Tuesday April 13, 2004
05:27 PM EDT
Making a commitment to stop gambling means never doing it again

When we make a commitment to stop doing something, we must be literal about it. For example, if we've made a commitment to stop smoking then we must never smoke again-- not once in awhile, not on special occasions, not ever again. Or if we've made a commitment to stop drinking or doing drugs, then we must do exactly that: Stop. Stop now and stop for the rest of our lives. There are no exceptions.

The same applies to gambling. Once we make a commitment to stop gambling, we should stand by our decision and be serious about it. We shouldn't recall how bad we had it when we gambled or joke about all those crazy times we had when we gambled-- some jokes have a basis in reality and that's why we shouldn't even joke about our gambling days.

Once we make a commitment to stop gambling and we relapse, we are telling ourselves to expect it again in the future. That is why it is important that once we make that commitment, we stick with it. We should never trick ourselves into thinking that we deserve to gamble once in awhile, on special occasions, or to relieve stress. There cannot be any exceptions.

Make a commitment to stop gambling now and make no exceptions.

COMMENT

Authored by: Jim McCloud on Monday August 09, 2004
08:27 PM EDT

I have made a commitment to stop gambling and struggle every day my problem is also I dont know where to turn.
I dont even think I am on the right board. My family life is almost dead it looks like I may be going through my second divorce in 3 years I have debts that I cant pay. Taxes and so on plus I have payday loans I cant pay and still live. I need some help or advice. I have never been to jail I am like most in that I have worked hard all my life but I am stuck in a place i cant seem to get out of and it is getting really scary as i cant seem to find a way out of this dark place. can anybody out there help me.