Gambling In Early Recovery
Hands sweating as the cards are being bent by the player on the blackjack table. A common site if you are familiar with spending time at the casino. Winning money is thrilling, we all know the feeling. Having more money in your pocket walking out of the card rooms is a very gratifying experience.
As an addict, the experience and feeling is what is sought. Instant gratification.
In early recovery, gambling is often a subject of controversy. Many advise against gambling because of the atmosphere and how easy it is to get wrapped up in the whirlwind of the act. The opposite argument is that as long as you are winning more than you are losing, and not gambling away rent money- there is no problems with a little fun betting here or there.
Most gambling goes hand in hand with excessiveness on all scales: drinking, the act of gambling itself, and even illicit drug use. Many casinos never close, and they’re designed to let minimal light into the building in order to encourage customers to “forget about the time” and continue to gamble. The problems that are associated with gambling, drinking excessively, and drug use are not criticized in this type of atmosphere, and those in early recovery should not put themselves in this volatile position to be in the midst of so much temptation.
Many casinos never close, and they’re designed to let minimal light into the building in order to encourage customers to “forget about the time” and continue to gamble.
The casino is not the only place that gambling takes place.
There are also many online forms of gambling; Draft Kings and FanDuel are sports betting sites as an example. People gamble and bet with friends and acquaintances with everything from card games to college and professional sporting events.
Gambling teeters that fine line, most 12-step programs will advise those in early recovery to steer clear of casinos and gambling because of all the other temptations that surround the thrill-seeking need. At the same time, it is common for young men in recovery to be fond of gambling and as long as the money spending is not affecting normal life negatively and it is controlled instances then it may be okay.
At Banyan Treatment Center we do not suggest taking that chance, and if you or someone you know is struggling with their gambling habits, we can help. Call us anytime, we are here to help: (888) 280-4763.
