I have just joined the forums today but before when I was gambling I used to read them for support and encouragement. Thanks to everyone who has given me hope and motivation to beat the gambling !
I want to help and support people struggling with gambling and let them know there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
I have been in some very dark places whilst under the grip of this gambling 'demon'.
The quitting part at first I found very hard as I would always be looking to the next football game to bet on. FOBT's kept trying to creep into my mind to tempt me as well. I had to be really tough on myself and at times I was bored and felt very depressed but I kept marking off the days one by one. The first two weeks were very hard and even 2 months in I still had the urges.
Now I feel much more in control but I have to maintain the awareness that I can't have a single bet ever again. This is a war and it will be a life long war but I am determined to win and as long as I don't bet I will win!
LIFE WITHOUT GAMBLING IS MUCH BETTER!!! TRUST ME !!! 🙂
I started gambling in late 2010 and was fully hooked, spending all what I had and selling my valuables to fund it. I managed to stop completely at Christmas 2015 after and haven't had a bet since and I don't even want to do the lottery as I believe this can open doors to let the addiction creep back in.
In 2012 I managed to stop for 3 months but the addiction crept back in, starting with the lottery and small bets as I thought I was 'in control' and 'disciplined'. However I soon was gambling hard like before and became fully hooked again.
In my nearly 6 months of being free from gambling I finally feel like I am back to my old self and my brain has 'reset' itself and I no longer get urges or think about betting.
I hate gambling now. I hate the bookmakers that in my opinion are parasites. I have seen so much devastation and sadness it has caused and is still causing many people right now across the world. The bookies encourage people to get hooked and I have worked in a bookies for a year and I know how they work. Its in our faces 24/7. The late night roulette on TV. The adverts for betting when live sport comes on TV. Bet on your mobile! Bet online! Bingo! Slots! Online casino! You name it they are pushing it.
There needs to be more support for people, and awareness of the problems gambling causes.
Good luck to everyone to live a happy fulfilled life without the stress and despair of being addicted to gambling.
Wow, your story is truly inspirational and you have done so well, I can't wait to be in the happy and confident state of mind you are in! You should be very proud!
Hi JonnyJohnson21,
Welcome to the forum, and many thanks for your post which I find rather encouraging.
I do agree with you when you said you have to be really tough on yourself in order to be able to overcome your urges. Your determination and perseverance is now paying off. You are steadily getting there.
You can reach the light at the end of the tunnel, so keep going. Also, keep posting!
Best regards,
Beatrice
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