We CANNOT beat the disease in one action/day/event. It is an everyday fight, and I know we are ready.
First-time poster here (28/M). I've lurked on this community for quite some time, and have come to rely on the stories of triumph, regret, and hope when I find myself contemplating my past mistakes or feeling the itch to try again. As time has passed, I've come to realize that continuing to rely on this community without contributing myself was disingenuous. It's time that changes.
For a long time, I told myself I was "trading". I've always considered myself to be someone who stays aware of global/national news and understands the basic attributes of a healthy, growing company. My ignorance, combined with news-driven market swings, led me to believe I could master the art of timing and executing 0 to 7 DTE options to my benefit.
It took me a while, but it is now crystal clear that I was not "trading."
I was gambling.
My time in the cycle (late 2024 to early 2026) is likely a familiar one to you. Win, feel invincible. Lose, chase. Lose more, tell myself the next one would be different. Then wake up the next day carrying the shame, anxiety, and regret from decisions I already knew were hurting me.
I reached what I thought was my bottom in December 2025. I was completely broke going into the holidays and had to rely on credit to purchase presents and pay my rent. When I got my next paycheck following my Christmas spending, I gave myself one more chance and told myself I'd quit if I broke even (I was down 22k at that point). That chance turned into a two-month run that saw me gain everything I had lost plus an extra 3k. Instead of taking my blessing and sticking to my word, my confidence exploded, and I started to deviate from my rules.
I gave all but 2.8k back in 3 weeks.
That was when it finally started to sink in for me. The money was not really the point anymore. Breaking even did not cure me. Winning did not satisfy me. Being “right” did not free me. The problem was not that I needed a better trade, better timing, or better discipline.
The problem was that I could not safely participate at all.
For me, options were not investing. 0DTEs were not a strategy. They were the disease cosplaying in a finance costume.
I am posting this partly for accountability, but also because I want someone else to know there is hope on the other side of this if you believe in yourself and honor your desire to stop the losses, the pain, and the regret. I locked in after my last loss, stopped giving myself permission to go back, and started saving instead of chasing. That discipline allowed me to scrape together just enough money to split a down payment with my soon-to-be fiancé (we close next Friday).
But I want to be very clear: I am nowhere near fixed. I am not cured because I have had a few good months. I am not above the disease because I saved money, am about to buy a house, or made better decisions in the nick of time. The itch still shows up every now and then. Sometimes it comes as boredom. Sometimes it comes as stress. Sometimes it comes as that quiet, dangerous thought that maybe I could control it this time and get back what I had lost. That is the lie I have to keep rejecting.
My change of heart has come through my recognizing that I must fight the voice before it gets too loud. I am slowly learning that the urge does not require action. I can feel it, name it, and let it pass without giving it access to my money, my peace, or my future. I know I am still vulnerable, but that is where my strength to fight comes from.
We CANNOT beat the disease in one action, day, or event. It is an everyday fight, and I know we are ready. I hope you know that too**.**
May god continue to be with us and guide us. Much love to you all.