How do you stop

Hi @273g4xawse

Unfortunately there isn't a magic one size fits all solution to stopping. It depends on the individual but good things you can do is take steps to make it more difficult to gamble such as self excluding from online platforms, self excluding from bookies, check with your bank if it is possible to block using your bank card for gambling, my bank does and I can't use my card in bookie shops or online, I also put a limit to how much cash I can lift from a cash machine on a daily basis (which I am due yo resuce even further), talking to a therapist who specialises in addiction is a good idea and you'll find its a combination of all the above and not just one thing that will help you to stop.

All the best. 

 Danny

Hi

Not many people abstain from addictions from day one of entering the recovery program.

The most important thing is to keep going to meeting no matter when your last bet was.

From each bet we get to understand what our last emotional trigger was and how to stop reacting to our emotional triggers.

It was hard to hand over my finances but I did it.

By reducing the amount of money on my person reduced my risk of me gambling.

The money was simply the fuel for my addiction.

In time I found a room which was well into giving deep healthy honest therapies.

In time I gave up talking money won or lost or being in action.

In time by going to meetings understanding that in recovery we are humbled to be an equal to all people in the recovery program.

At one time I got to understand that I needed more than one meeting per week.

I have been in recovery over 50 years.

I have been clean from gambling and in recovery over 32 year.

I am often asked why go to meetings if you do not gamble now.

I am going to meetings because it helps get me motivated in being the healthiest person I can be today.

I am going to meetings because it helps me fulfill my healthy needs.

I am going to meetings because it helps me fulfill my healthy wants.

I am going to meetings because it helps me fulfill my healthy goals.

I am a non religious person yet I understand how unhealthy I use to be.

It takes time to heal the hurt inner child in me.

Just for today I do not want or need to gamble.

Gambling was a form of self abuse to me.

Thank you for your sharing and your honesty.

Healing Love and peace to everyone.

Dave L

AKA Dave of Beckenham.

Posted by: @273g4xawse

↑

Hello 

I’m at 25 year old girl who’s been gambling since the start of the year. It went very out of control very fast, I have Gamstop and Gamban in place.

If I don’t have money I have have an urge but as soon as im paid every penny will go to it. When I have Gamban I didn’t feel  the urge for a while but now I'm looking for something to add.

how do people stop? I’ve tried everything for around 6 months

It’s good that you’ve already taken steps like using Gamstop and Gamban. The next key step is to reach out for professional support. Consider speaking with a therapist who specializes in addiction or joining support groups like Gamblers Anonymous. Also, try managing your finances by having someone you trust control your money or setting up a separate account you can’t easily access. Recovery is tough, but with consistent support, it is possible. Stay strong!