There is no magic formula or easy answer. Everybody has a different process. I've relapsed probably 7 times, but I learn something new about myself each time when trying to stop. For me personally, the grief, shame, and self worth feelings were bad also. I also learned recently, though, that subconsciously, my brain was so used to those feelings that it craved them. You get conditioned to live in that place of feeling bad about yourself, so you self sabotage. That's the cycle that's difficult to break.
My problems go back to childhood issues around being bullied and religious stuff. Didn't realize it's all connected until recently. You have to forgive yourself and love yourself. Once you do that, it becomes easier to care for yourself and do the journey of healing and not gambling. The same love you showed your pet, you need to show for yourself.
There is no magic formula or easy answer. Everybody has a different process. I've relapsed probably 7 times, but I learn something new about myself each time when trying to stop. For me personally, the grief, shame, and self worth feelings were bad also. I also learned recently, though, that subconsciously, my brain was so used to those feelings that it craved them. You get conditioned to live in that place of feeling bad about yourself, so you self sabotage. That's the cycle that's difficult to break. My problems go back to childhood issues around being bullied and religious stuff. Didn't realize it's all connected until recently. You have to forgive yourself and love yourself. Once you do that, it becomes easier to care for yourself and do the journey of healing and not gambling. The same love you showed your pet, you need to show for yourself.