Anyone else with gambling problem?

Nurses Recovery

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I have a problem controlling my desire to want to go gambling. I am a critical care nurse with over 20 years of experience and I seem to be drawn to the "controlled" experience of "bells and whisles" that go off and I don't have to save someone's life, I also have the possibility of winning megamoney in the process. I am mesmorized by this process.

Is there anyone else out there who has this issue, and more importantly, is there anyone else out there who has somehow beat it? I'm beyond broke and it seems to me like there has to be some nurses' out there with this problem. I've been to a GA (Gambler's Anonymous) meeting, but it was all men at the meeting and I felt really uncomfortable there.

I would really like to hear from anyone who is sympathetic to my situation. Many nurses are better than one!:nurse::nurse::nurse::nurse::redbeathe

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Have you been to a therapist? You should consider all the different ways you can to beat this. Have you asked GA if there is a women's group? Maybe you could start one. Sorry I don't have more personal insight. Good luck!

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I would really like to hear from anyone who is sympathetic to my situation. Many nurses are better than one

Funny that you should ask.

I personally know a female ICU Nurse with over 20 years experience who has a gambling problem. Not to worry though, I am certain that it is not you.

This is a lady who has taken on a second job to "feed" the habit, and is actually given room and board at a casino, sound about right?

You are fully aware from your GA meetings that this is a "clinical" issue requiring professional and personal intervention, correct?

So I've posted this reply to confirm for you the existence of others precisely in the same situation gender, social, and professional, so that you do not in fact feel alone in the world.

Now, go and seek out the personal, emotional, and professional support that you know you must have and can not possibly acquire from faceless and nameless strangers on the internet.

All the best!

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

I am so glad you asked, icubabe1. Gambling is my main addiction and I have seen many a nurse in and outside of the casinos with a gambling problem.

I will be back to post more. I have some resources for you that are specific to women gamblers.

Email me and I will send them to you.

Catmom :paw:

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

I have a problem with your first link that is for a site that appears to promote gambling. Not a smart thing to be going to, especially if you are new to staying abstinent from gambling.

I do know that you can get a program that blocks gambling sites from your computer. However, this is no substitute for learning self control. How do you learn this? Answer: By getting professional help from a therapist who is trained to treat compulsive gambling. In addition, I think that Gamblers Anonymous is a wonderful 24/7 support system that you can't get from a professional.

By the way, compulsive gambling has nothing to do with money and everything to do with getting a "buzz" or mood change from the activity of gambling. Always, always, if I won when gambling, it just meant that my binge could go on longer because I had more money to keep the action going before I was tapped out.

I will have seven years gamble free in December and even though I am facing hard times now, they would be infinitely harder if I were rampaging at the casino.

Best wishes,

Catmom :paw:

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Specializes in Psych, Informatics, Biostatistics.

Catmom1,

Whoops, sorry, your point is well taken.

Thanks,

Kevin

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