Hi everyone,
I have been lurking in the shadows of this forum for 8 days now and felt like it was time to finally introduce myself.
My story is similar to everyone else's story here, so I won't write it all down (it would take me forever anyway). All I will say is that I've been an on and off gambler for over a decade now. I have stopped gambling for years at a time only to start again in some way. Over time I'm sure you'll get to know my story.
My most recent gambling dilemma being crypto, though my last bet was online blackjack through sheer desperation (after years of staying off of it). I know now that crypto is a form of gambling and it has lead me back to what I hate the most, gambling.
I recently lost everything and have finally made the conscious decision to completely STOP GAMBLING!
I have registered with GamStop, installed Gamban (which thankfully blocks crypto websites as well), blocked gambling transactions with all my cards, signed up here, spoken with Gamcare and whatever else you can think of, all of which have been more of a relief than anything.
I have a long road ahead of me but I can honestly say that this is the most focused and determined I have ever been to CRUSH this addiction. For the first time ever I am totally aware I have a problem and ready to tackle this crippling illness.
I have a MASSIVE debt to pay off, I'll take it one month at a time.
But... I am happy to say I am 8 DAYS GAMBLE FREE!
Thank you for reading, I look forward to getting to know you guys on my gamble free journey.
Wretches and Kings 🖤
Hi and well done to you. 👏👏👏. You have done the best thing by putting all the above blocks in place ASAP. They will completely stop you in your tracks when those gambling thoughts/triggers rear their ugly head!
Your story is similar to mine - in that you have been an “on/off gambler for years (14 years in my case) but nevertheless, caused huge financial damage.👎. I also gambled on blackjack mostly, with some horse racing.
I find posting in my diary daily - “April fools - no more the fool”, and reading other people’s posts, really reminds me of how crippling, continuing to gamble can be, both financially and mentally. I am currently on day 105 g.f and feeling a whole lot better and a whole lot calmer about life in general. 🙂.
Wishing you the best of luck and strength on your g.f journey.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎.
Hi Pink Lady,
I have read many of your posts since finding this forum, you are very active here and I appreciate your reply to me, I look forward to crushing this demon with people like yourself.
Congratulations on 105 days GF, I've just hit 9 days GF. 🙂
Wretches and Kings 🖤
Keep the fight going a year will pass by in no time i'm currently on day 371, seems like only yeasterday i was on day 1, each day brings new challenges so keep pressing forward early first few months i was on here everyday, so keeping focused is the main thing, its the same advice i would give to myself however i have slacked off a little however i have already been in this position before so i need to keep myself alittle more grounded
@tazman Hi dude, thanks for the reply. I am beyond focused. I will be here every day, if I don't post, believe that I'm lurking. Tomorrow I will be 10 days GF, my next target is 100 days and then a year. I have NEVER been more determined to beat this sickness.
Wretches and Kings 🖤
Good luck mate and well done on your journey so far. Sounds like your in a good place. You seem to get the importance of reminding yourself why you are here by visiting lots. Its helped me loads checking in on here. Kind of got obsessed with it for a while, reading everything. If it helps though, why not?
Great to have targets too, they will roll in quickly, and the debt will slowly diminish. Finally you'll have money and time to do with as you please. Its what we all want really, its why we gambled. Shame it brought us none of that!
Stay strong mate, great effort so far
@20nlgiw8eh Thank you and well done to you again for smashing through another day g.f. 👌.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎.
@p6z38njbqm Hi dude, reading your diary really helped me a lot I have to say, I read every single entry, I'm glad you are doing well now, much better than a few months ago anyway.
As for myself, I'm well over 10 days GF now, already feel like the heaviest weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Next target is 100 days, I'll be sticking around here for a long time to come.
Wretches and Kings 🖤
@p6z38njbqm well done Kings. That is a major achievement.
Crypto is an unregulated mess for anyone with a gambling issue.
Like gambling it has only one winner and that isn't us who buy in.
Let us know how you are getting on?
Great to hear you'll be sticking around, and great to hear the next target has been set. Need another diary to keep me going, mine has gone downhill with talk of towels and soup ladles 🤣
I'm now setting you the challenge of finding the pleasure in spending a little money on yourself. Huge debt aside (I'm in the same boat), you deserve, and need, to reward your achievements and get your mind back to living like a normal person.
I look forward to reading this in the future, as you hit 100 days g/f and more. Hopefully you buy something more exciting than i did 🤣
Stay strong mate
@thebean Hi dude, I'm still dealing with the loss of money and the stress that follows for sure. But this time feels different for some reason. I am now 12 days GF, and the thought of gambling repulses me.
@p6z38njbqm Hi dude, my main focus right now is to save a little money and pay back my debt (it's not a small one). Until I clear that, I'm afraid I won't be able to treat myself properly.
I have decided to start reading and gaming again. I just bought myself a copy of Street Fighter 6, looking forward to getting some time to play it. Also started reading 'Awaken the Giant Within' by Tony Robbins.
12 GF!
Keep going mate thanks for checking in on my post
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