I can't believe how many times I've fallen, gone back and gambled when I know it's not what I want. The temporary escape the misery of losing so why do I keep doing it. I've watched people who are greedy playing the max stake and I've played the minimal stake and even when they win they don't look happy at all. But I've learnt yesterday that for someone's massive win someone loses. Otherwise how would the establishment make thier money. It's a horrible horrible merry go round of win lose and sorrow. And so much deceit jealousy from all the players and miserable faces of desperation. I need to get out of this repetitive cycle of misery. So here it is again Day 1 Tues 18th May.Â
jennyj
Hi Jenny
Sorry to hear your struggles but you are back here showing up for yourself. Do you know what the trigger was this time ? Was it just a one session relapse or a few days ? I consider us friends so I'm always on here if you want to reach out. I was about to post that im six months gamble free today but when someone else is struggling it doesn't feel right at the momentÂ
Hi StuartÂ
Thankyou so much for your reply, so much is going on in my life atm and it's been a really difficult time. Family issues and today my daughter is having an operation, I'm so stressed and just want peace but If I feel I'm not getting support at home then I'm going to be stupid enough to take the easy way out. I'm hoping this will improve as a gambler always blames others for thier actions wen in fact it's my own fault and my own doing. It doesn't make me happy at all so I need to try n turn it around and focus on my recovery regardless of what's happening around me as it's what I want. I gambled on 2 days to escape the stress but gave myself more stress. I already know the consequences of gambling and I see the faces of people who gamble there is no happy ending. Ever. So I need to try and get this right now. Time to stop hugging the cactus tree and loving myself. Massive well done Stuart to getting to 6 months I am so happy you have achieved that milestone. It's inspirational. See you soon on chatroom 🙂 jennyj
@jennyj Hey Jenny, first of all sorry to hear about your troubles with gambling. I think its a good thing you identify the triggers as you already did. stress, distracting yourself from negative/challenging things. a dysfunctional coping mechanism for
Â
about 4 things:
pleasure/distracting from displeasure
orientation/control
attachment
self esteem enhancement & maintenance
Â
is it "just" distracting from displeasure or something else?
Â
Just try and change your routines ask yourself what is the lead up to a relapse wishing you the bestÂ
Hi Jenny
Did you drive to the arcades or was it online ? I'm hoping you aren't beating yourself up too much. Doesn't matter how many attempts it takes, only need to get it right onceÂ
Hi hedgehog, Dazza, StuartÂ
thankyou for yr messages, I think with all the stress going on in my life atm it's probably an escape category. So distraction from displeasure. I was in a different area from home and my daughters just had an operation that's been a worry on my mind for long time. But she's literally just in recovery now so that's a massive weight off our shoulders. I'm looking at other options to de-stress. Thankyou again for all your encouragement and support and chat soon 😊 jennyj
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
