First Day the hardest day? I hope

Hi there. All I can say is from my own experiences it does get easier as other forum users can testify but AGAIN just my view there are lots of things to do which you will read on other posts or diaries. Targets: Make them realistic. Self-exclusion very important - from online gambling sites and shops etc. Gamcare offer counselling - maybe that's for you or maybe not which is the same as Gamblers Anonymous but if you make the commitment try anything. Money has gone but the head issues need to be addressed plus other issues - I don't know your story apart from the post above and all I've posted back is a tiny bit about my "recovery" and other measures. Why not start a diary? Most people won't judge you and know the score. Your journey is individual and I wish you all the best....again just my experiences. Phil.

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Gamcare offer online counselling....more or less anonymous. I wouldn't say it was "bad news" - one day is the start of your journey and as you progress maybe you'll have a rollercoaster of emotions. Good to hear that you are financially secure but a bet-free life is so much better as so many people on this forum can testify. Best wishes, Phil

Hi Ben.

You do need to keep talking it through and that focuses it down to why you were doing it and exactly what you expected from it.

Its a complex addiction and you will learn more about how it works. If you are betting on Saudi football teams on christmas day it suggests you are grasping on in the grip of a strong addiction.

I would like to see more of your story as the level and frequency of your betting are key points. Is it the possibility of a big win? Most gamblers ignore the odds and these companies have teams of people setting those odds.

You will know in any accumulator that nobody is setting life changing odds on Manchester united vs the grannies 11 and so on. Its not that easy as that as you well know. Its generally a losing activity that they have marketed to you as temptation

We can have different triggers but the problem is the same in that we cant walk away. Is it really fun? Ask yourself that.

Please dont be afraid of counselling. You will be a better person for it. It may well be that you have to talk your feelings through. I had to face myself as I couldnt hide behind gambling any longer. It was scary and enlightening at the same time. just to give some examples...I was a bag of nerves had become reclusive and was scared of my confidence in work due to some bad experiences in the past.

That actually needed highlighting and facing up to.

You should be doing something better and may be seeking emotions that you should be getting from human relationships and other activities. Its questions like why are your friends talking about these accumulators all the time?

Take the fight on and take it to them....self exclude.

Being gamble free is a wonderful feeling of self respect and freedom

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Great post JD

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