I have spent my last twenty years gambling and losing .. I’ve had a good life.. and got through.. despite this disease hanging over me. I have a 16000 dept no home no car, I have just started a new well paid job my new start has to be now . I feel so sad and upset when I think what I’ve done, something I thought I would never become. What a shocking waste of time and my life, this is my first day of not gambling. My first target is to get to 3 months.
Hi @paul-m-2,
Thank you for posting on the forum today and reaching out. Congratulations on the job and making the decision to stop gambling. We appreciate how hard this can be, so please get in contact with us on the helpline 0808 8020 133 or come through on the live chat to see how we can support you further.
We look forward to hearing from you,
all the best
John
Forum Admin
You can do this. Life is so much simpler gambling free.
Just make sure the new job/wage packet doesn’t end up being an excuse for a ‘little bet’ here and there.
Good luck on your road to recovery Paul, I'm also on the same road, my target its just one day at a time, lets hope you get to your 3 month target and that I'm also at them 3 months gamble free with you.
Good luck on your road to recovery Paul
Hi Paul M and Welcome.
My best advice to to humble yourself in the face of this addiction. I also thought I could never become an addict. 40 years later I was scratching my head amidst the ruin.
Use your new job as a positive thing but always be aware you can never be complacent.
I feel you need to tell someone close and get to a GA meeting. This is not about casual willpower...its an addiction waiting to get back at you when you feel flush or even content. It will come at you out of the blue unless you are protected and rock strong
Your first target is not 3 months...its being open and honest with people you love...its building foundations where you realise you are not in control of your own mind...yes in a quiet moment you think you are an adult who can handle this now.....you need to remind yourself of the times to went back to gambling after losing....its a drug addiction and much less about the money
Your first target is a born again moment of seeking help and the relief to hand some control away. Your own mind was destroying you....you need help.
If you dont do this properly your new job will simply be funds to gamble more. You seem to have set yourself a new day based on a new job change.
The new day is when you have told people close that you are a compulsive gambler and you need help. Ideally you need to be on a sandwich allowance...do you understand that or do you think I'm treating you like a baby?
I will sound harsh because I care. This addition needs cold turkey and the strongest of monitored blocks.. just a decision in your own mind is like fighting Goliath with a soft cushion.
Food for thought.... Take care.
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
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