30 years of misery chasing losses off machines has to come to an end. Over 30 yrs machines have evolved from simple 3 reels to 5 reels with so many more new enticing games. We live in a society where gambling is accepted as normal and is everywhere but is so so mentally destructive and so on my journey to keep fighting against the urges I lapsed and recently had to start again. I'm now on Day 4 getting as much support as I can. It's not easy but the best thing I will ever do. The machines always beat us in the end and destroys our peace of mind as well as take our money so I have to fight this. I wish everyone on here as much positivity and support as they can get.Â
Hi Jenny
I know we have spoken a lot on the chatrooms etc but I really do resonate with your comment and what's behind it. I'm sure you agree that it really doesn't make any sense. We know the odds are stacked in the house favour, we know how these machines play with near misses and other addictive mechanisms embedded but we still play. We know, when we are honest with ourselves that we have a problem but the addiction that talks to us in our own voice always says, one more go and it will be different. Even when we win we give it back and more. I know it's difficult but I found building a large support network around me to beat the 44 years of as you say misery. Not just people I can turn to, not just the blocks in place but other things I can do when I need a bit of recovery medicine. Whether it be talking, doing something worthwhile around the house, watching a recovery video or podcast, research, online meeting, whatever I need to do.
Day 4 is fantastic and don't beat yourself up for the relapse. Each time I am sure it will make you stronger which I can hear in your words
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Stuart
Hi StuartÂ
Thankyou so much for all your support and everyone on chatroom so supportive and kind. I'm determined to fight this, it will be the best thing I'll ever do. I have a wonderful support team with reform from gamcare and have 12 sessions of wellbeing CBT booked cognitive behavioural therapy to change the way I look at gambling and even tho we all know how destructive gambling is in its many forms, not only do we eventually lose our money it also takes over our mind. You've done so well to get to where you are since Nov after 44 years and really inspired by your motivation and everyone on chatroom who are also fighting this crippling addiction. I feel much more motivated by all this support and will continue to fight this with all of you. Thankyou so much. Catch up soon on chatroom.Â
Wishing you the best, Jenny. We cannot let it define us when all is said and done. I’m new in these parts but certainly not new to addiction or attempted recovery. I’m 33 days into a big push since my last relapse.
Well said Jenny. There is no way I could do this on my own and I'm so grateful for the amazing support network that has fallen into place for me. It's removed all my stress to know, when I need to, I have people and things I can turn to rather than the escapism of gambling. That chaos in my head has subsided and I feel I can cope with life now, it's twists, turns and bumps.
We are all on here for each other and I love reading your stories so keep them comingÂ
Have you ever put your life story on here ?
Hi Jenny
We didn't get much time to talk on the chatroom today. How are you and how are you getting on ? What number of days are you on now ?
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Your big supporter Stuart
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