'That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man,
which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;
And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ... '
(Eph 4:22)
Hello there,
The very fact that you are seeking help, is an indication that God is working in you. Just give Him thanks, 'Godsangel', for you are His workmanship. These are deceitful lusts which war against the soul (or the whole person), they persuade you that you must do, must have etc., but there is no truth in them, they are deceitful, and have no substance except in your own mind. However, they can be strong and addictive, as in the case of alcoholism and gambling.
These lusts come from the our flesh (James 1:13-14), from the old man that we were born with.
'Dearly beloved,
I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims,
abstain from fleshly lusts,
which war against the soul; ... '
(1Peter 2:11)
With love in Christ Jesus
Chris
www.gamblersanonymous.org