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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Colleen D. on May 21, 2005, at 22:35:23
I've taken to gambling the last few months. I can't afford a lawyer and divorce without billing it all to a credit card. I feel I am so set on trying to take any action I can to change my marital situation. I've been scraping together all the money I can as often as possible and going to the casino, praying I'll win big and be able to pay off my small debt and hire a lawyer. I feel so out of control there though and have spent more than I should. Is this just my OCD at work or mania induced by my Effexor and Klonopin combo? I have to leave money at home so I don't spend all of it and I feel depressed about having spent it after the night is done. Is gambling addiction noted especially in any particular mental conditions/disorders? This has to stop!
Colleen
MDD-GAD-OCDI have not been dx'd as bipolar.
Posted by TomG on May 21, 2005, at 23:02:07
In reply to Manic behavior induced by drugs or desperation..., posted by Colleen D. on May 21, 2005, at 22:35:23
Spending large sums of money you don't have is common during hypomanic episodes. However, I would say that since you are gambling a great deal for a set goal (i.e. to be able to afford an attourney) this probably isn't hypomania. How is your mood when you enter the casino and when you leave? It is something to talk to your doctor about.
Posted by Colleen D. on May 22, 2005, at 8:26:47
In reply to Re: Manic behavior induced by drugs or desperation..., posted by TomG on May 21, 2005, at 23:02:07
> Spending large sums of money you don't have is common during hypomanic episodes. However, I would say that since you are gambling a great deal for a set goal (i.e. to be able to afford an attourney) this probably isn't hypomania. How is your mood when you enter the casino and when you leave? It is something to talk to your doctor about.
When I go to the casino I am so excited. My adrenaline is pumping and I can't wait to start gambling. Afterward, I still feel happy and satisfied with the experience, but then I get home and my mood takes a dive because I realize I shouldn't be spending like this. If I come home even or with no great loss, I am up and happy. This just started a few months ago. I've never felt so exhilarated as I do when I get in the casino doors.
Posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 18:36:06
In reply to Re: Manic behavior induced by drugs or desperation... » TomG, posted by Colleen D. on May 22, 2005, at 8:26:47
Be careful. Gambling is the worst addiction to break. Fondly, Phillipa
Posted by snapper on May 23, 2005, at 1:39:57
In reply to Re: Manic behavior induced by drugs or desperation... » Colleen D., posted by Phillipa on May 22, 2005, at 18:36:06
Hi Colleen, I could ramble for a very long time about the DANGERS of casinos and gambling and the hell they can do and will happen if you don't stop ,chill out, think, and re-assess your situation, but for purposes of not wanting to bore you or anyone else......I must tell you run now and run the FU&K away from the casino scene as quick and fast as you can.!!! I tell you this because I am OCD as well and fun and alluring as the idea of winning big is...Odds are NOT IN YOUR FAVOR!!!!
Gambling like what you describe may seem innocent but for people like you and I and millions of others it can totally F*CK up your life. I know because it and alcohol cost me my business, it hurt a lot of people that loved and trusted me, almost landed me in jail, forced me to file Bankruptcy, lose *Everything* I had. I am now on disability live at my parents and am just now .... beginning to see any light at the end of the tunnel for recovery (very treatment resistant) (ECT and all)..... like I said I could go on and on and probably have but I feel so so very strong about this that I just have to tell you these things!! Manic, desperate or not it is NOT the solution! Please call your pdoc and be completely honest with him in what is going on!!! PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!!!! I am sorry if this reply comes across as overly strong or offensive, but I don't want to see you or anyone go through the hell and anguish that I have gone through. Quitting my drinking was a cake walk compared to stopping gambling. I know I do not know your full and exact situation but, Attorneys'(most) will work with you on $$$ and payments ! Banks, credit card companies and others with vested financial intrest are not usually very nice...they want thier $$$ and are usually not very sympathetic when you tell them you can't pay because you have mental illness. If you have any comments or questions please ask! I literally lost a Million dollar business I founded and started- to the allure of the bright lights, cr*ps, slots and black jack. Not that I could'nt win...I could but I just could'nt stop when I was "up" I wanted more and more and more and more.......
OCD has many forms and guises and it almost cost me my life!! Please take action tommorow!!
Best Regards
Snapper
Posted by snapper on May 23, 2005, at 2:01:23
In reply to Re: Manic behavior induced by drugs or desperation... » TomG, posted by Colleen D. on May 22, 2005, at 8:26:47
Colleen, BTW...yes, Gambling/compulsive... is listed in the DSM-IV as a single entity or a co-morbid mental health issue as a disorder.. and/or illness. Just like alcoholism, and sexual addiction, drug addiction etc. The sad thing is is that when you do win...as you will on occasion,the losses hurt and exacerbate, any underlying mental disorder. When I was hypo-manic, and winning and had a good buzz from booze,it at times made the act of Sex seem usesless and un-pleasurable.But.. when I lost and my buzz and mania and "winnings" went down; very soon there after so also came down my mood- sometimes suicidally depressed. Bi-polar...mania , hypo-mania, OCD, MDD, and all the other crud are simply just not a good mix!
I do hope you can do what is the right thing! Please call your pdoc asap !
I'll be thinking hopeful things and praying for a good outcome to your problems and situation! :)
Take Care
Snapper
This is the end of the thread.
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