[hopeless2015]

The truth is that I have an out of control gambling addiction...my marriage is falling apart. Trying to get med combo figured out and I need to get back to work. I don't even know where to start. I get a little help then self sabbatage.....I know I need help but according to my new therapist I'm still in denial, I know she is right. I need to find some strength inside of me to get better. Currently having quite the pity party!

[mathrye]

While I'm normally fine with finances, during episodes I have little to no ability to keep my money in my possession.... Now, whenever a paycheck comes, I immediately scramble it to places that I can't touch it quickly. A chunk of it goes into a savings account with withdrawal limits. Another chunk goes to a broker - not even investing it right now, just setting up the cards so that it takes a few days to transfer the money in and out. Essentially my version of a self-imposed cool-down period. I have to make sure my money isn't terribly liquid, or else I'll just metaphorically spill it everywhere.

I can't speak much to the gambling end of things, but maybe it'll help to limit the financial scale of weak moments and monetary loss?

[CopperStar]

I can't relate to the addiction part since my gambling issue was very acute, but I can relate to the experience to a little extent.

I had a very delusional episode that lasted about 3 weeks total several years ago, where I was having conversations with someone unknown entity or energy that was encouraging me to gamble and somehow everything was connected and meaningful, and there was a deal involved and it was part of some higher mission, like I was going to win but then I would receive very specific instructions on what to do with the money and my life, I was just going to be an instrument for a greater cause. Etc.

Well long story short I spent over $600 on scratch off lottery tickets in under 3 weeks (a lot of money for me), did not win or go on to help the world in some greater cause. I did however have lots of very shiny and sparkling tickets all over my then-office.

When it was all over I was so embarrassed and confused at the whole thing, normally I'm the more logic-based type and would never fall for such a thing as a state lottery scheme. Felt like I had been possessed and oh goodness I was so flippin embarrassed.

I am sure you're not alone in the pity party, plenty of us have done some nutty stuff while knowing it was nutty.

[Crazy Hitch]

[hopeless2015]

Thanks for your comments. My days of handling my own finances are over. Letting go of that is hard but neccessary

[hopeless2015]

Thanks for your comments. My days of handling my own finances are over. Letting go of that is hard but neccessary