My First Step Done

Hi Essexforever,

We spoke earlier on the chat, remember Gamstop too as an extra insurance. You've taken positive steps & joined a community who can relate to everything you've been through. Will power alone will never stop a compulsive gambler from gambling such is the power of this addiction. 

I don't know when you last gambled maybe today, however you've taken an important step in acknowledging you have a problem & reaching out for support. You've every right to be proud. I'm looking forward to seeing your progress. In the morning when you wake tell yourself  " Just For Today I Won't Gamble ". You'll get through it. Worry about Sunday when it comes.

Warm Welcome & Sincere Best Wishes

AL

Well done indeed.

Do everything you can to block stuff while your feeling positive, and keep the ball rolling.

Don`t ever be anxious on here, we are all here for the same reason.

Learn to relax and put the past firmly  behind you, look forward your new life awaits.

I cant wait to be reading you post in the success stories, where you will inspire many others.

Be positive you WILL smash this.

@slowlearner Thank you so much.. i am finding it easy at the moment as i have no money so my biggest fear is when i do get money how do i stop myself going back into the arcades.

I have to take it one day at a time and hopefully be more positive when i do get money access.

Fingers crossed x

@lids19635 hi and thank you for your kind words. I am always anxious but as i said to slowlearner its when i get money access i havent got the willpower yet i dont think. Only time will tell. 

Thank you x

@essexforever Unfortunately it isn`t like flicking a switch, but the will power and confidence will grow. Start doing things that you know you can achieve and slowly build up to the bigger problems, figure out how to avoid arcades, and more importantly avoid arcades when you have money. Pre paid cards with small amounts loaded on, lower your atm limit, two tier security when making purchases. Ive seen some banks be very helpful with such things, if yours isn't then think about replacing them. Just like us all have been at some point, you are a little unsure of yourself, dont be you are much stronger than you think, gambling has convinced you that you are not strong. Believe me you have hidden strength, but you`ve got to search yourself and find it and then use it.

Set yourself goals that arent always about money or gamble free days, eg today i`m going to research gambling addiction to help me fight it. Tomorrow i will research relaxation techniques, on Tuesday i will learn about distraction techniques. The information is out there, every day you should learn more about your addiction and how to handle it. 

You CAN and will do this.