Lotto
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7
Lotto
Hi all, been reading posts for a few months and wanted to ask if anyone has experienced the financial anxiety that comes with new recovery. I lost a great job due to my drinking and in an attempt to make up for losing that income, I spent a ton on the lottery to try to save myself financially. Didn't work. Is it normal for one addiction to transform into another when one stops? (Drinking to gambling, etc)
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,418
Welcome 
I wouldn't say normal, but I think it's common yes...it's the same basic problem just a different manifestation.
To get at my problem, I had to attack the roots - when I got right down to it, a lot of my problems were fear based...sounds like yours could be too?
Gambling is never a secure or responsible financial plan
Have you stopped yet, Wizard?
D
I wouldn't say normal, but I think it's common yes...it's the same basic problem just a different manifestation.
To get at my problem, I had to attack the roots - when I got right down to it, a lot of my problems were fear based...sounds like yours could be too?
Gambling is never a secure or responsible financial plan
Have you stopped yet, Wizard?
D
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: S.E. Wisconsin
Posts: 341
I would love to have the money
that I have spent on beer over
the last 50 years, I could probably
buy a Mercedes!
Always kept the bills paid but,
had very little money left after
buying the beer.
that I have spent on beer over
the last 50 years, I could probably
buy a Mercedes!
Always kept the bills paid but,
had very little money left after
buying the beer.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7
Hi Dee, yes I have. Fear is exactly the root for the gambling. Losing that job due to drinking made me feel like a loser, which made me fear not being able to pay my bills anymore as well. So I thought how can I make up for losing this job? Winning the lottery! True insanity.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
I was joking yesterday. Do I start filling out job applications or should I buy a lottery ticket?
My take on it is this. Buy one mega millions ticket. If you win, contact me so you can pay off my house - thanks in advance.
If you lose, it wasn't meant to be.
I started the job hunt recently. It's no fun. And yes, losing job was a direct result of alcohol use.
My take on it is this. Buy one mega millions ticket. If you win, contact me so you can pay off my house - thanks in advance.
If you lose, it wasn't meant to be.
I started the job hunt recently. It's no fun. And yes, losing job was a direct result of alcohol use.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,418
I'm glad you've stopped Wizard
Its take a little time and effort but we can, and we rebuild our lives...it took me a year or so, and a few payment plans, but I even paid off all my debts.
There is life after recovery - and its a good one wizard
Its take a little time and effort but we can, and we rebuild our lives...it took me a year or so, and a few payment plans, but I even paid off all my debts.
There is life after recovery - and its a good one wizard
Hears The Voice
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Unshackled
Posts: 7,901
Welcome to SR Wizard.
I read your post this morning and couldn't think of anything to add. This afternoon I was reading a book about the psychology of investing, and it reminded me of your post, and now I have something to add.
Psychologists have proven that people under duress - experiencing anxiety - are more willing to risk financial losses. That seems to fit your scenario. You were feeling stress and you risked your money on the lotto.
I think you could extrapolate that to alcoholism and risk-taking in general. At least in my case I was obsessed with getting another drink. Going without would definitely increase my anxiety, and I took big risks to get booze. I risked my job, my family, other people's safety (and mine) by getting behind the wheel, etc.
The author of the book cautions us to deliberate more before taking those risks, and to be more aware of our mental state when making decisions. Food for thought.
I hope you are well today.
Best of Luck on Your Journey!
I read your post this morning and couldn't think of anything to add. This afternoon I was reading a book about the psychology of investing, and it reminded me of your post, and now I have something to add.
Psychologists have proven that people under duress - experiencing anxiety - are more willing to risk financial losses. That seems to fit your scenario. You were feeling stress and you risked your money on the lotto.
I think you could extrapolate that to alcoholism and risk-taking in general. At least in my case I was obsessed with getting another drink. Going without would definitely increase my anxiety, and I took big risks to get booze. I risked my job, my family, other people's safety (and mine) by getting behind the wheel, etc.
The author of the book cautions us to deliberate more before taking those risks, and to be more aware of our mental state when making decisions. Food for thought.
I hope you are well today.
Best of Luck on Your Journey!
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,494
Wizard, it's good that you're aware that you have moved from one addiction to another. I hope you have faith that you can get things together financially, even though it might take some time.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 7
Thank you all for the kind posts. What a great resource this site is. Nonsensical, I used the method of thinking that was in your post today when the thought passed my mind to try again. Always better to take a moment and think about the risk before acting on it. LBrain, if 100 million falls onto my lap one day, I'll let you know!
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