Hi all. It’s getting quiet in here. Not too much community activity. I hope that means good news and others are staying sober as well. As I’m about to go into my 6th GA meeting in Mississauga, Canada, i reflect on how much I’ve changed since I quit gambling 1 month and and 10 days ago. Alcohol 1 month and 16 days. I’ve since gone back to smoking weed but I feel good about the other 2 addictions. My question is how do you not give into the urges? What tools do you use to not gamble or drink alcohol, or even abuse drugs ? For me, it’s been focusing on keeping busy. Occupy my boring time with something specific, such as YouTube , Netflix and movies. I find it does a good job for me. Anyway, wish me goodluck in one more meeting starting in 10 min. Going to in person meetings is huge for sobriety, In my opinion. Hugs to all.
Don’t call the bookie from a barstool. Call your regional AA and GA central office and get a list of meetings. Go to meeting get a sponsor in each respective program and work the steps.
you can manage the same recovery steps you used to stop drinking to cease smoking or any other addiction. I wouldn’t be comfortable smoking dope as a means to cease drinking though - the converse is not always true.
Its not always easy but in your moments of doubt REACH OUT. Don’t give in let us help you. You can do hard things. Im so proud of you. People like you who are new in recovery are the best thing in the rooms because you remind me what hope is and true strength and courage.
I like to try to also remember one simple thing someone on here once told me….that ‘not every space in life needs to be filled’ sometimes its ok to just be
Welcome to like minded people in this group!
I use the program of AA, not for the gambling but you’d be surprised at how many 12 step programs are out there. Good luck, speaking for myself, the fellowship of the meetings got me to work the 12 step program with a sponsor. ODAAT
I think for me the most important thing to do is to stop and pause. I used to be a very reactive person. If i felt like using or enagaging in other addictive behaviours, I would just do it without a 2nd thought.
Today I stop and pause. I remember that these cravings WILL pass. I take some deep breaths, I pray, I go over my list of reasons why I quit, I play the tape to the end, I get some support (either thru a meeting or thru here on TS), I use distraction to make the time pass, I have even slept to get thru a craving. I remember HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) and i nourish my body with what it needs. I go out and help others to get me out of self. I do anything and everything it takes to not pick up.
We must put as much, if not more energy, into our sobriety as it did to get high. And ill be honest, ive put a hell of a lot of energy into getting high. So i gotta put at least the same amount of effort to stay clean.
Very well said. And I will use some of your ideas
Thank you Quinn. Hugs to you ! How is life treating you ? Just finished another In person GA meeting. It was nice to be there.
Hi James. One day at a time. Its nice to feel accomplished and proud of ourselves. Keep going sober pal.
It’s ok to just be. Be present. Human connections. Lovely to hear from you starlight. Any idea where Nikki disappeared to ?
Hi butterfly. How’s life treating you ?
Thanks bob. I appreciate your insight. I think quitting all 3 at once was just a bit too hard for me. I’m proud of myself for not gambling and drinking alcohol. I’ll use my one month vacation to Brazil with my wife to get off the weed. 
Hi Patrick. I appreciate your recommendations. I’ve been attending in person GA meetings weekly and I’ve really enjoyed it! How’s life treating you ?
91 years ago today, Bill W. walked through the doors of Towns Hospital for the fourth and final time. With a heart full of gratitude, we remember that it was his last visit, the turning point where surrender met grace. stay and continue, or as my sponsor says, “pause, pray, proceed”
chopping wood, carrying water… and sometimes? shoveling snow, and shovel snow.
welcome!