It's Just Preseason — Don’t Let It Pull You Back In

 It’s Just Preseason — Don’t Let It Pull You Back In

Tonight, the NFL preseason kicks off — a time many sports fans get excited for. But for those of us in recovery from a gambling addiction, this isn’t just a harmless game night.

Let’s be real: preseason games mean nothing in the long run. 

Starters barely play. Coaches are testing second- and third-stringers. The outcomes are unpredictable and irrelevant. And yet, sportsbooks still find a way to slap odds on it. Why? Because they know there are people out there who’ll bet on anything — especially when they’re chasing that old high.

If you're a recovering sports gambler, this is a moment to pause and protect yourself.

You don’t have to watch. You don’t have to engage.
If it’s a trigger — and for many of us, it is — avoid it. You owe nothing to the NFL, your fantasy league, or your old group chat. You’ve worked too hard to let something as meaningless as a preseason game shake your foundation.

Remember Why You Quit

You’re not here by accident. You quit gambling because it was destroying parts of your life — financially, emotionally, spiritually. Chasing action, losing sleep, lying to loved ones, constantly checking scores, living in anxiety.

So when that familiar pull comes tonight — to turn on the TV, to scroll the lines, to “just check” — remind yourself: This isn’t worth going back for.

What You Can Do Instead

If you're feeling the itch to watch or bet, here are some things you can do tonight that will actually move your life forward:

1. Call Someone in Recovery

Text or hop on a voice call with someone from your recovery group or Discord community. Talk about what you're feeling. Chances are, they’re feeling it too.

2. Go for a Walk or Hit the Gym

Get your body moving. Changing your physical environment can shift your mental space and reduce cravings.

3. Read a Book or Listen to a Podcast

Choose something that inspires growth. Recovery-focused content, mental health, finance, or even fiction to escape a bit — it’s all better than watching backups fumble through a game that doesn't count.

4. Work on a Personal Goal

Write a few paragraphs in your journal. Set a budget. Cook a new meal. Learn a new skill. Every minute you spend on yourself builds your future.

5. Write About Your Recovery

Start a blog post. Make a journal entry. Even draft a social media post about how you're skipping the preseason to protect your peace. It’s powerful to document moments like this — they’ll mean something later.

6. Plan a Non-Football Weekend

Make plans for the weekend that don't revolve around sports. Go to a movie. Visit a friend. Check out a local event. Build your life outside the game.

You’re Not Missing Out — You’re Moving On

Every day you stay away from gambling is a win. Don’t let tonight’s preseason kickoff pull you back into something you fought so hard to leave. The real action is in your recovery — in your peace, your progress, and your presence in the moment.

It’s just preseason.
Your life is worth more than this.