Hi, I've just joined this forum.
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I'm not really sure what to post other than I need help. Only managed to read a handful of threads before posting this.
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My journey starts tonight as I've reached rock bottom. I've signed up to get 1 to 1 support to help me get away from this horrible addiction. It's having a negative effect on my life and my family's lives. I've used money I don't have or own just to fund my habit. Gambled full wages on a weekly basis. Spent hours in bookies 'passing time' (in reality isolating myself) Easy enough to look back in disgust, full of regret but at the time feeling numb and the right thing to do as the typical gambler will think 'ill get it back'Â
I've installed gambam on my phone and been in contact with moses.Â
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A few questions I have and would be thankful for any responses in advance,
What helps/d you overcome the urge to gamble?
What to expect from 1 to 1 counselling?
What methods help you to stay free of gambling and free from thinking about gambling.Â
ThanksÂ
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Hi Conor,
Well done for joining the forum, and thank you for sharing your story with our forum members here.
It is great that you have already taken several actions to support your recovery, including signing up for 1-2-1 support, contacting MOSES and installing GamBan.Â
You ask what helps you overcome the urges. In the early days of your recovery, you are doing the right things by blocking your access to gambling, as a safer way to protect yourself from relapse when those urges arise. The urges can be tricky to handle without blocks in place, as you can experience the urges suddenly and react impulsively by gambling, so putting those blocks in place is a good approach to protect you in the moment. Many of our forum members say that over time, they may experience the urges less frequently, or that they become more able to dismiss the temptation. Some forum members say that over the longer term they don't get the urges or temptations at all, or rarely, as gradually you move on from a gambling mindset to a recovery mindset. Not gambling becomes your 'New normal'.Â
With regards to 1-2-1 support, in can vary precisely what form it takes depending on the service provider, but generally forum members have posted positive feedback that it has given them space to offload, share their thoughts, get perspective, identify goals, and provides them with emotional and moral support to help them maintain their focus and motivation.
Please feel welcome to call us anytime on our freephone 0808 8020 133 if you want like to talk.
Take care,
Adam.
@forum-admin thanks very much for your reply mate, much appreciated. Had my first 1-2-1 call today and went well, booked in again for next Tuesday. Today was more just getting a feeling for where I was at and the problems I'd been facing. Next week will be more 'hands on' if you like. Only at the beginning but not had a bet in 6 days and I'll be honest I'm not missing it but given my job (driving) I'm constantly passing or noticing bookies. Slowly but surely over coming that. If I see/pass one its almost like a trigger to think of something elseÂ
I just want to wish you a good day, have fun
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