Yesterday I finally acknowledged I needed help. I've only been playing slots for about 6 months or so but was hooked within a very short space of time. In March I told my partner and promised not to gamble again but I relapsed. The last week to 10 days had been horrendous so yesterday was the day I realised I couldn't do it by myself. I came clean again to my partner who was very supportive thankfully. Yesterday I joined GamCare and CamStop and today downloaded CamBan. However today I've been nearly frantic with the desire to get online and win back some of my losses and knowing I can't. I know that this desire will lessen over time (hopefully) but wondered how long, on average it takes. It really shook me to realise that at 68 years old I'd become a gambling addict as I've never experienced anything like this previously.Â
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Well done with downloading the software.
The length of time it takes for the urges to stop varies from person to person. It also depends on your triggers and also how you manage your recovery.
For me the first month was hardest. Then as I relaxed I relapsed. This was the pattern of things.
The urges were worst at the start of becoming GF. Dreams of gambling, constant thoughts and sounds were triggers. As time past I started to get dopamine from other activities but there were still times that I found myself going back, trying to gamble.
You need a plan to distract you from the gambling. What will you do instead when the urge hits?
It does get better. 18m ago I HAD to gamble daily, my thoughts were all about gambling. Now I simply don't want to.
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@thebean Thanks for that. Today is only day 2 and I within 5 mins of waking up I was almost in tears and really P****d that I couldn't go online and play. My mind was telling me "you shouldn't have downloaded those apps, you could have done it with willpower and just played occasionally for fun." I know that's rubbish, I needed to do what I did but now the depression I suffer with has really set in. As far as doing other things I've not really resolved that yet. Probably getting out of the house more to remove the temptation..Onwards and upwards as they say
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I think the triggers will be different for everyone. For me it’s not even about the enjoyment of gambling, I’m a huge sports fan and have lost a lot of money sports betting. I’ve realised I don’t actually enjoy what I’m watching when I’ve got a bet on, I’m agitated and nervous.Â
My reasons for gambling were always to win back losses which of course never worked. I’ve found that dealing with my debt and putting a plan and budget in place has reduced the urges.Â
Finding something else to fill the time is essential, you need a distraction. Preferably something where you’re not sat down with access to your phone. It sounds like you have an understanding and loving partner so try to focus on them and be more present. You probably don’t realise how distracted you’ve been in recent months.Â
The urges won’t disappear completely but the gaps between them will get bigger. Try to be kind to yourself and set small achievable targets, maybe with a reward for resisting the urges.Â
Good luckÂ
@chp8nx4lej thanks for those words of encouragement. Good luck to you too.
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