Withdrawal Symptoms from Gambling Addiction

Recovering addicts in 12 step programs experience 3 similar yet different types of withdrawal.

Chemical Withdrawal:

Physical and emotional symptoms - usually extreme during first 90 days of abstinence. These symptoms often play out by the gambler returning to gambling rather than face the pain and remorse of this withdrawal period.

Watch for switching addictions during this period.

Sweating and palpitations are the main symptoms, although all sorts of physical symptoms may occur. Sometimes extreme itching will also take place.

All types of withdrawal can have severe physical symptoms. Close contact with other recovering GA members will assist greatly to see these symptoms as normal and not react to them by going back to the compulsion of gambling or switching addictions.

Emotional Withdrawal:

Physical and emotional symptoms - could occur at any time during abstinence.

Attendance at meetings and effective use of sponsors, counselors and other 12 step members usually can assist during this normal part of recovery.

Post Acute Withdrawal:

Physical and emotional symptoms - occurs in random cycles anytime during recovery and because of the apparent disassociation and length of time away from the active addiction, it is very often misdiagnosed as any number of other emotional and mental disorders.

Sometimes associated with other hidden or more socially acceptable addictions, this phenomenon is the most common cause of relapse.

Don't fight it, withdrawal gains power by your denial.

Regular attendance at GA meetings and using the GA 12 Recovery Steps are the best treatment for recovering gamblers/ adrenalin addicts.

The GA recovery steps are adapted with permission from the AA twelve steps, which were written in 1937 from an accumulation of spiritual principles from various recovery and religious organizations.

These steps are non-denominational thereby opening GA membership to all races, religions, professions and social levels.

Visiting Victoria BC? Stay at the Gingerbread Cottage Bed and Breakfast Gourmet Food, Cute rooms, Recovery atmosphere!

Gamblers Anonymous membership is open to anyone

who has a desire to stop gambling compulsively.

There are no dues or fees for GA membership.

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Gamblers Anonymous, Victoria BC Canada