What do gamble free milestones and day targets mean to you?

Hiya Sam, I've joined the 100 day and 2017 targets, I thought carefully before I committed to either. When I joined the forum, I didn't really want to stop gambling, I love playing the slots, but I have increasingly become aware of my need to stop. My initial commitment was 100 days, now it is 2017. I need targets, I need to stay focused, I need group support...I suppose the milestones for me are stepping stones to 'forever'.

Interesting. I did the 250 day challenge last year and it was good to see it get past that figure. The challenges are good and I do recommend them..its a good group atmosphere and something real to aim for

However the actual days arent the be all and end all now because the overiding feeling is no complacency.

I never struggled to see them tot up once the blocks were in place. it was never really a struggle counting the days so I stopped counting them and just occasionally refer to my gamcare account total. sure in the early days thoughts of a gamble did cross my mind but the avenue was closed so that thought was soon dismissed. It was a useful test to see if I would travel out of town or be using pub machines. I didnt so it was working.

Part of my recovery was I dont stand alone in pubs on a friday or a miserable tuesday night. I used to get so lonely that I would do that and vey quickly end up on the machines.

280 days in I was very nearly off again due to losing my gold ring. Only something very random due to train times held be back that day but the plan was formulating. I hate losing things and that was an eye opener as to a possible relapse. I dont travel there again but its been a full eye opener that all blocks will be extended everywhere I travel and work. The bookies for example already extend me to neighbouring towns and I do ask for nationwide

I started looking at myself during counselling. Ive still had anxiety this year over work but realise Im way better gamble free. Life still has to be dealt with and sometimes its not a bed of roses. However in my strength I realise that gambling was never the answer for me, my future or any issues in life.

One of my proudest milestones was renewing my blocks in the arcade and bookies. It was a nice feeling realising I hadnt been in any of them for a year. Not only that...... I hadnt tried to break the blocks or find anywhere else. I wasnt so much fixated on the days free rather than 29/12 which is an important date for me

So am proud of the days and they are there but I dont yet feel ready to write a success story based on days free. I take that statement of being given "the serenity" to realise that it may always be within me and a lifelong process of recovery

Best wishes

In my early days my day count kept me pushing & every day was a win. My 1st month's 'treat' was going to be a gamble but by the time I got there, I'd read too much, thank goodness! As the 'milestones' got further & further apart, I stopped counting my days because I no longer needed the counter to keep me safe.

It wasn't immediately obvious (if truth be told it still isn't) why I gambled, & for so flipping long, & simply stopping was enough for me then. I didn't understand the difference between abstaining & recovery but now that I do, I want more. I look back & feel like I was walking on water through most of my 1st year 'clean'. Now I'm wading in Elephant dung some days but I'll take it because I feel hopeful that if I keep working @ this, I will figure me out.

It always looks to me as though counting days and reaching milestones and aiming for targets is valued quite highly especially in the early days. It's quite noticeable once around 100 days/ three months GF is reached the poster sounds a whole lot more rational which I guess ties in with GA's 'give it 90 days' approach.

Mr L has never been big on day counting. He regards it as a bit pointless as he says he plans to be GF permanently. He's quite big on the whole looking forward not backward thing and while he never wants to forget where he ended up and how GA seems to be a more effective way to do this for him.

Doesn't stop me keeping track though.

Day counting played s huge part in the first year. 90 days was my first real target I was gutted that out GA room was closed for Christmas but I got my moment a week or so later. The I looked at 200 then 300 once o got to the year I stopped paying attention to the days. If I wasn't on the 2017 challenge I wouldn't know where I was at. I do like to set myself personal targets like the whole calendar year next one I suppose will be 500 then 2 years.

I know when i signed up I couldn't see me getting to the weekend so I think counting certainly helps at the start and the challenges help to get to know people and build up a network.

On the flip side Day counting can be counter productive setting targets and hitting them or beating previous bests I've seen many a relapse after these sort of things and it must be demoralising to reset especially if it becomes a regular thing.

It's just what suits best i suppose

KTF

For me the target and goals will mean I get a half decent reward when I hit my goals.a weekend camping a nice bottle of spiced rum a meal out with my fiancee and little one.its something to aim for that doesnt say forever but hey its 90 days you can do that go ooon.im at 19 days now and looking forwards im trying to be less negative more positive its 71 days left for 90 days I didnt gamble yesterday I can make it tomorrow!

Similar opinion to Oldhamktf really, it's been a big help in the first year. Doubt I'll pay so much attention once I've hit the 365. I think it's a bit of a distraction from not gambling...almost replaces the addiction.

brandon wrote:

Similar opinion to Oldhamktf really, it's been a big help in the first year. Doubt I'll pay so much attention once I've hit the 365. I think it's a bit of a distraction from not gambling...almost replaces the addiction.

I smiled when I read this Brandon. For me, counting day in no way covers the addiction. Some some its so much more progressive, but I am glad for those who can.

Counting days is really important to me at the moment, every single day that passes makes me stronger, helps me to believe that I don't NEED gambling, I'm well aware that there's so so much more to Recovery but for now abstinence is my priority, without abstaining there will be no step forward into Recovery...

M x

The counter motivates me and I stopped smoking almost two years ago with a similar app. Part of my working life involves strategic planning, targets and mandatory returns so maybe I'm the kind of person that works better with targets and goals. I can tell you that as the days mount up and I re discover myself so does the feel good factor , best wishes to all on this journey x

Love a milestone. Hitting one is like stepping on the scale and realising you've lost a few pounds on the diet you're on. They give you that extra bit of lift.
Every milestone is a win

Yes Deano

Having targets for days GF has got to be a good thing, motivating us to keep going and I agree with Markie to have a reward for achievement; a night out, a pampering session, or a gift, etc. Why not treat ourselves and our loved ones, especially when we consider all the money that we might otherwise have lost.

I also agree that counting the days doesn't actually change your personal outlook. We still need to be on our guard and understand addiction. Unfortunately, many who have tried to give up an addiction, whether it be nicotine, alcohol, drugs or gambling return to their former habits, even after several years having abstained.