Lets make a start...

Hi stunshot.

Yes you have to be totally clear in your own mind that you want to stop. Its all about asking yourself what you ever got from a casino vs the money you have lost and the pain I know gambling causes. Its about asking yourself who you are and what truly makes you happy

I worry slightly in your wording just hints of that confused stage one "could do with" " I can probably afford it". Its just that on the fence talk of a mind that is unsure at this early stage. Part of the addiction is that your mind has been getting something out of it like a dopamine buzz. It will seek that feeling in a cycle of ill behaviour while your bank balance suffers as it makes you lose sight of all reality

I am clear on it. You were heavily against the odds as soon as you walked in the door. I have never liked the casino environment which Im now mighty glad about. I am clear on it. Its a losing game doubled up with the fact that I was a compulsive escape gambler. The feelings of playing became more important than the money and that applies to all forms of gambling

While you are feeling this moment of strength you should self exclude. It will be the best thing you ever did believe me.

You dont need them and they will take your money fast. Entertainment?? Thats highly debatable. More like a fix you are seeking. The sensible part of you knows its a mugs game which is why casinos have that strange false air about them.

Ive only been a few times decades ago and it always had that sense of quiet desperation with people spread betting on roulette etc. Always that sense that if you knocked somebodys chips over or said the wrong thing it would kick off. False and horrible.....not for me

Being gamble free is a wonderful feeling and I hope you can join us.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Hi JD appreciate your comments very much. Yes don't get me wrong I can do with not giving the likes of grosvenor my hard ear earnt for sure. I find myself working away from home often and if there's a casino about get the temptation. I need mechanisms to stay away. If there's no casino I don't hit the bookies or go online. At home same applies. Anyone else in this cycle ??

Hi JD appreciate your comments very much. Yes don't get me wrong I can do with not giving the likes of grosvenor my hard ear earnt for sure. I find myself working away from home often and if there's a casino about get the temptation. I need mechanisms to stay away. If there's no casino I don't hit the bookies or go online. At home same applies. Anyone else in this cycle ??

Yes its interesting what the triggers are for different people.

I remember being in the next town along. I came out stunned from abuse in a situation I was forced to attend( a complicated situation I cant explain here). I walked into town and I had money to shop or try and relax. However all I really wanted to do was escape into an arcade to divert and ease the pain. The crazy thing about my addiction was escaping the pain would increase my troubles many times over

Now you may be an action gambler or an escape gambler. Action gamblers are also addicted to the fix but are more likely to play card games and use casinos.

The dangerous thing about gambling is the addiction to the chase. It will be my lucky day today (tomorrow /next week) and all that lucky clover, lady luck nonsense.

No its the same odds and same chances stacked against you. The thing with compulsive gambling is that I and many others just couldnt stop. I believe gambling creates compulsion because In reality I am a careful with money and I dont like losing. Its almost like the mind creating a split personality.

My mind was also controlling me which I still dont fully understand. I still dont understand why I couldnt slap myself and stop doing it..Heaven knows I was losing enough money and feeding everything back in. it may not have been the same day but it was all going back in to machines.

So it really is about counselling and even a quick chat with the doctor. Youve seen the results which arent healthy and there is no way on earth you can rationalise that.

Its an extremely dangerous addiction if not the worst.

You will see plenty of stories her about people just like you. You are not alone and it must affect countless people who are not even on this forum.

There is plenty of help and advice for you. Do ring gamcare because its very theraputic to hear that one to one voice,

Gamble free is a feeling of calmness. the urges fade away when the mind resets with time.

Best wishes