Hi I’ve gamstopped myself I have downloaded gamban onto my phone.
im scared to tell you the truth. Its destroying me mentally gambling, financially it has ruined me but that still doesn’t seem to bother me.
I try to read or just scroll on the news but the urge I get nothing else matters I literally deposit and I’m away. Always thinking the next slot will be the bonus then I end up chasing it before you know it I have spent 2k! I gamble every day and can’t stop. I’m really trying it’s not even enjoyable anymore, has anyone got any tips to help stop the urges
The hard part is admitting it’s and issue and taking those steps. I stopped 197 days ago, and that first month after stopping the mental pressures it put on me was hard, I suffered with very bad anxiety and depression, as your brain learns to cope with a life without gambling and those dopamine levels coming back down.
In the early days you need to try and find pleasure in everyday little things, and appreciate what you do have. It doesn’t happen quickly, but you will get there! The urges still come and go, but knowing life is better without gambling is a big help further down the line.
Those early weeks are tough so have lots of distraction tools at your disposal.
In the first week of stopping I would set an alarm on my phone for 20 minutes and then set it again and the urge would fade.
About 6 weeks in I realised I wasn’t thinking of gambling as a pleasurable activity and actually felt sick if I visualised myself going to my gambling location.
I went on the Gordon Moody retreat and counselling programme and it really helped me stay gamble free. I am now 5 months free of any kind of gambling.
I also went into the GamCare chat room every night and attend a virtual GA session on a Sunday evening.
Stick with it, don’t think too far ahead and, if you have an urge, stop, set that timer as many times as you need, and visualise what is likely to happen if you make that first deposit.
In a short amount of time you will find you will become happier, healthier and will enjoy the sight of your bank account building up. In the 5 months of stopping, I am in such a better place financially and emotionally. I am looking forward to my future and no longer have to worry about where to find money to gamble with. If I did find any money, it was no different to settling fire to £20 notes until all the money was gone.
Stay strong. You can do this.
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