Hi all,
Just thought I would pen a quick note to say hi as I am new to the website.
I am on day 5 of my road to recovery and I have always found it easier to write things down about how I am feeling and what is going on in the world/my head.
As a result of this horrible addiction we all have, I have now lost everything. Wife, kids, money, my home (not literally, but she has it now). Just everything.
My compulsive gambling first came to light 6 years ago and she supported me, but each lie, gamble and debt slowly chipped away at her and now I have lost my best friend for life.
I am now more determined than ever to beat this horrible addiction, primarly for myself, but also for my children. I don't want them to ever feel about me in the same way their mother does right now.
Anyway, thanks for taking the time to read and don't be suprised to see me chip in from time to time 🙂
Welcome to the forums mate, i find it easier to write on here too, There's always a second chance to change your life around, it's called tomorrow, i've been gamble free for 4 week's now and saved £830 in a savings account which i would of spent gambling, the first few weeks are pretty rough but you'll eventually feel the benefits of not Gambling, just think of the money you'll save, you could use it to treat your kids etc, good luck matey keep updating, would love to see your progress.
Thanks pal.
How did you do the savings?? Literally put the money away every time you fancied a gamble or set it up as a direct debit??
I took a trip to the bank and put it into a savings account rather than go the bookies, it took my mind off gambling, it made me more determined to stop when i checked my bank balance, i've blocked Gambling websites on my laptop and mobile too, i even gave a homeless person £10, now a month ago i'd of been broke just like him, you've got to remember the odds are stacked against us, the amount of money you spend gambling, the odds are what you win you've already spent twice over so your not really gaining anything, you'll get there eventually, if you want something so bad you wont stop until you get there.
leeh098 i have been looking for a way to help control myself and i think you have hit the nail on the head any time i fe like gambling i will stick it in my new savings account , then i can take my family on holiday.
sound advice i hope it helps you plum79
Hi Plum79,
Welcome to the forum. Things will get better my friend. It's a very dark place facing up to your addiction, but you've made the first massive step so a BIG WELL DONE. I believe you've got to be very selfish especially in the difficult early days of recovery. Just focus on yourself and people will naturally see a change in you once you get a few weeks gamble free under your belt. I have a young family and it hurts me to say that I know in my 6 months being gamble free I've become a better father to them.
You say about writing down "what is going on the world/my head"......That's another great place to start. If you feel ready start a diary on this forum please do so as the good & bad day days we all experience do help others ones get by......
Wishing you all the best. Shep
A savings account is definitely worth having.
It helped me a lot, preferably get one with no atm card. For the very brave, get one that you must give notice to withdraw money.
Seeing how much money is saved by not gambling is a real eye opener and most people will realise they gamble more than they think.
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