Other than the typical constant vigilance that is a requirement to long term sobriety–is there any wisdom you’re willing to share in this regard?
Thanks for that insight. You are absolutely correct. For those who are not ready to turn down repeated direct offers for ‘cocktails!’ steer clear. I concluded I would be able to responsibly gamble. But I needed to check my ego against the community.
I’ve realized it’s those who are unwilling to walk with a mild loss that end up caught in much bigger problems. My perspective is–if you can take a mild financial hit on the chin and leave without having to return to win it back you’re good. If you refuse to loose you’re in trouble.
Thanks again for your perspective.
Thanks for your story. I appreciate your time. I have no problem NOT going. I wouldn’t be upset. But at this point in my sobriety, as you alluded to, I’m very happy with the sober desert life. I just don’t know if I should steer clear of the casinos prematurely or if I should let myself have occasional sober fun at casino. It gets me out of the house every now and then. My gut says put limits on monthly monetary loss and amount of time spent and I’m fine.
I have a lot of friends in the sober community out here. I’m very grateful for AA. I definitely don’t live in Vegas–its an unincorporated small town out of Vegas. The casino is just local regulars–very much like the GB one. My grandparents have lost a lot of money at the one in GB I’m pretty sure!
Thanks again
No problem. Thank you sir
You are saying exactly what one part of me is thinking. But I’m making money and socializing is what the other part says.
I go to the casino a few times a year in New York. Take like $200 and plan on leaving with none. Sometimes I play poker because I genuinely enjoy the game. Same with roulette. I enjoy the gaming aspect. I have plenty of extra money so losing doesn’t worry me. They also have good food.
I currently live in Las Vegas and have lived here all my adult life. I have never been a regular gambler.
I have gambled on occassion, but I dont like to play any games where the house has the advantage in the long run.
So I might play blackjack or live texas holdem if a friend is in town.
I dont see any fun in losing money. I totally get the social aspect of it and I like that part to.
If you are gambling regularly to get out of the house, is there no other hobby you could do to be social with other people face to face?
To answer your question more directly though. I dont see gambling as an issue as long as you dont feel it negatively effects your life. It can be a slippery slope though because most everyone you meet will be drinking in front of you every time you are at the casino.
I am not an AA member but I would be interested to know what AA in general would say about gambling as a gateway to falling off the wagon.
That’s my general philosophy but needed more opinions.
The buffet is on point at the one by me. It’s not like a Vegas casino though. There’s bars and whatnot but it’s not a non-stop party kinda place.
AAs 12 traditions says that AA has no opinion on outside issues.
Personally I think alcohol and gambling go hand in hand. I’m an alcoholic and a drug addict and I can form all kind of addictions but I’ve never felt in any way obsessed or compelled with gambling…’Gambling addiction does really hurt people and destroy families though. But for me personally it just doesn’t do it. There’s no serotonin only boredom and the likelihood of losing more that I’ll get back. Then again I really don’t have the money to place any good bets anyway, well I do but na, I could get a way bigger high elsewhere. For me it’s not a problem. Can’t speak for you.
I gamble occasionally. I’ve never had a problem with it. I dont like losing money. Its pretty rare for me to participate. Even in Vegas. There’s so much other stuff to do. I heard the Luxor paid for itself and made profit in less than 30 days.
The odds are not in your favor.
I’ve won good money playing Black Jack a few times. I’ve also lost good money… I can see how easy it could be for the bug to bite. Winnings fun!
It’s not the action of putting the drink to your mouth that makes you an addict. It’s not the action of putting money into gambling that makes you an addict. It’s the connections that your brain makes between the action and pleasure that makes you an addict. It doesn’t matter if it’s a chemical addiction or a behavioral addiction. Whether to moderate is dependent on how your brain will connect it. Since our brains are wired towards addiction, we must be cautious. Refrain? Well, are we all going to refrain from chocolate sundaes, falling in love, alcohol, hurting ourselves, pain meds, dieting, sex, playing cards, etc? Well, it depends on the person. You know what addiction pleasure feels like. Is it truly a trail to dependency? That’s a question to answer in your own mind. But we can say have insight and error on the side of refrain if you’re on the fence.
Thank you. You made me laugh, your statements on Wisconsin are very true. Also I appreciate you bringing up the obsession aspects of addiction.
I go with $100 and plan on loosing it all. A donation for all the land my ancestors violently took.
Much appreciated. I like how you speak.
Well I do have my skydiving license. Risks are a part of my life. I just need to determine if casinos are in the ‘moderate’ column or the ‘complete abstinence column’.
Your two cents helped, thank you for the time.
Thanks for the info!
Hey neighbor! Thanks for your advice. I agree with you.