Honesty is the Best Policy

 The first step to recovery is to come to terms that we have a problem. "We admitted we were powerless over gambling - that our lives had become unmanageable." (https://12step.org/references/12-step-versions/ga/) The only way we can truly come to terms with that is to be honest with ourselves first and foremost. Gambling addiction is one of the most secretive of all addictions because it’s the easiest to hide. There is no outward physical signs of a gambling addiction, you cant see it on their faces and we certainly do not know what is going on mentally with others. We typically hide what we're doing because we are ashamed, and feel guilty. Sometimes its best for us to get back to the basics, learning something we most likely learned back in grade school: honesty is the best policy. Being honest, not only with ourselves but our friends, family and other loved ones, allows us to be open and for others to try and trust us again. When we hold onto the lies and deceit, we feel trapped in our addictions and can even make us feel trapped in our recovery which could lead right back to a relapse. Honesty is key to rebuilding relationships with those you might have wronged with the addiction. While active in our gambling addiction we were dishonest with our loved ones about our addictions. Now that we are trying to live a life in recovery, being honest with those loved ones should be our main priority to rebuild the trust we lost.

So, how can we be more honest? Be truthful about your struggles. When you're feeling an urge, or are struggling with recovering, tell someone. Talk to a trusted individuals about your problems and why do you feel its bothering you. How would they know what's going on in your head if you do not tell them? If you have yet to, please let your loved ones know. Being dishonest with your loved ones will only hurt your relationship with them. In the end, could be very detrimental to everything. But, if you're open and honest with them and proving you can make the change, they might just want to support you and stay by your side. The road to recovery is a long one, but can very much worth it in the end. Life will get better. One day at a time.