I can't lecture about the best way to stop as I've tried so many times over the years. The truth is though that I was never fully committed the other times. I always left a door open so there was a way back. I couldn't face giving it up completely. However it got to the point I just had to stop, I had reached the end of the road. The first few days and weeks were hell but I just did anything to I could just to get through it. That was about 3-4 months ago and believe me it gets better. The feelings wear off, a bit like weaning yourself off a drug. The pain makes you want the drug again but you have to hold out.
You need to stop physically - restricting access to sites and money - and also stop mentally by finding other activities to replace gambling. I know that nothing in the short term gives you the gambling "buzz" but anything that consumes time in the early days is good.
I would also avoid playing "free" spins etc as you are keeping yourself in "gambling mode". Sites do free spins for a reason.
De Lorean,
I was the same. I've tried a few times over the years and have stopped on a couple of occasions for a few years each time.
I joined this forum last Sunday and have not gambled since although I have had a few pangs.
This time I've put measures in place such as site blockers. Leaving what limited money I have had hold of at home when I've ventured out. Excluded myself from gambling sites anyway. My chalice of poison is horses, football and roulette. I used to do slots years ago in pubs and clubs but stopped as the three things I have previously mentioned gave me my particular buzz.
I find online gambling facilities are an absolute curse. High Street chains are not that interested with horse racing now. It's all about these horrible computerised cash guzzling monsters.
It was bad enough years ago when you physically had to go to a betting office when your telephone credit facilities were up to the hilt. Nowadays people have adverts stuck down their throats before, in the middle of and after sporting events. Nowithstanding the ubiquitous bingo adverts. Makes me want to be sick.
Having spouted all that it is still very feasable to give up gambling permanently regargless of all the in your face ads.
I feel with the help of this forum I have the best opportunity yet to exterminate my problem for keeps. I find that having joined the 2015 Challenge the impetus is there for me. I'm on my day 5 now and at present I am still maintaining a regime of gambling abstinence.
Best Wishes to all.
Thankfully the endless TV adverts don't really bother me as I can see through them now. They are just trying to reel people in and not reacting to them is a positive thing to do.
Besides, I was tired of making excuses for myself. Taking responsibility for yourself is the best thing you can ever do.
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