An article about habits looked interesting and so I'm reading this:
http://www.npr.org/2012/03/05/147192599/habits-how-they-form-and-how-to-break-them
It talks about the Habits Loop. First is the trigger, then the routine and then the reward. So let's relate this to my compulsive gambling habit. The key to breaking the habit is understanding and interrupting the loop.
The trigger tells the brain to go into auto mode. I can't stop triggers. They are everywhere. A casino ad on TV or just driving by a casino when I leave the house can trigger my bad habit.
On to the routine. If the routine is not broken, we get the reward which is something our brain likes and lets the behavior unfold.
In my gambling routine I need money, a car to get to the casino, and time to play at the casino. I can always find the time to play and I need a car for obvious reasons. So, it's the money.
I no longer control the finances of the house or have a bank account. I would raid my husband's wallet to get money and so he agreed to sleeping with his wallet under the mattress. I tried using my back scratcher to get it but that didn't work. He gives me gift cards for gas and other expenses. He gives me daily cash for lunch money but only 2 3or 5 dollars. Then I discovered that I would go to the casino with $2.00 to spend.
Really, $2.00? Yes.
What is left? Me. It's taken years of gambling, counseling, money losses, bad unspeakable behavior but I am finally paying attention. Do I want "me" and my family? Yes. So I am counting and so very grateful I still have a family who will count with me.
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