Just my views as someone new to being bet-free:
If shops are your thing self-exclude from as many as you can.
If you bet online use the available blocking software.
Use this forum as many times as you like to get whatever frustrations off your chest.
Listen and learn from the nice non-judgemental people who use this forum and have fantastic advice to offer WHATEVER the road to recovery is. It's a personal thing.
In shops (in my experience) did I ever make friends? Did I ever have any fun? Erm....no. Do I want to grit my teeth and make my "recovery" difficult? No, I want my recovery to be a happy experience and I know a lot of people who post on this forum feel the same,
Has gambling caused you relationship problems and financial problems? Do you want to live as someone who lies to their wife, family and friends?
Do you want to have a messed up head that is obsessed with something totally self-destructive and self-serving?
Oh and maybe try a Gamblers Anonymous meeting which I haven't done myself yet but will attempt to attend this week.
As a recovered alcoholic once said to me "It's not a drinking problem. It's a thinking problem." I think the same applies to compulsive gambling.
No expert - just things I've thought about and learnt over the last four months. One day at a time without any complacency life just gets better and better.
All the best, Phil
Some great words there Phil. So easy to slip on this road to recovery. Move forward to the good things in life, but always be aware of the bad things around you!
Hi Phil_72,
Thanks for sharing your experience, thoughts and advice here in the forum. There’s a lot that one can gain from applying those thoughts.
Also pleased to learn that the forum is helping in your recovery.
Well done; and pls. keep posting.
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