Brand new and not sure where to start. Have tried to stop gambling a few times now but I always manage to convince myself that this time I've got it under control - and then the inevitable! Have wracked up debt and starting to feel like I will never get out from under it. I don't want to involve anyone else in my debt problems as I am determind to solve this problem myself! I wan't to prove to myself that I can do it, I want that feeling of achievement. It's just the niggle of - if I gamble £50 I could turn that in to £200, £500 etc and then once I'm there the buzz is overwhelming - I just get locked in! Just need a coping mechanism, a focus to make me strong enough to resist the urge!!!!
So Frustrated and knackered! Here goes - day 1.
And just for the sake of a rant - I am so SICK of every other advert on TV being bingo/casino/online gaming OR payday/fast loans!!!
Hello Rednow,
Welcome to the forum and well done on starting a Recovery Diary.
You're not alone on this forum, and maintaining your Recovery Diary will hopefully help you maintain your focus while also improving your motivation and morale as you benefit from the encouragement and wisdom of your peers on the diary pages.
As you read through other posts and diaries you will see members writing about their recovery methods; putting blocks in place like self-exclusion agreements, and for those who are stopping online gambling, installing browsers that filter out gambling sites to protect you better when you're searching the internet on your smartphone or tablet or computer.
You haven't mentioned much detail about the type of gambling you do, you can if you like, so others can give you more specific guidance relevant to your type of gambling. You can also call us on 0808 8020 133 to speak with a GamCare adviser if you have any questions or need to talk.
About your mentioned debt issue, there are free sources of professional debt advice:
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/Pages/default.aspx
Take care,
Forum Admin
Thank you admin, I am feeling good about the recovery diary. I've had one before but was always afraid that someone would find it! Here, people are meant to find and share them 🙂 I have been in contact with PayPlan.
Many thanks for your support and I plan to be back everyday!
Hi rednow,
Its like your my twin brain when it comes to gambling thinking on the same wavelength as you. Its frustrating that we can't resist the urge and just go into overload trying to win back your losses and of course we always know how it ends up.
We can never win as we never know when to stop.
Oh god the gambling sites and loan adverts do my head in they go hand in hand. Don't understand why nothing has been done to curb it. It really actually bothers me because our kids and youngsters grow up with this so its normal to them to see it and have their faces rubbed in constantly with gambling sites etc. (rant over)
Try and be strong and take as much advice as you can. Sit and think when the urges come and ask yourself will it truly make you happy.
Wish you all the best x
That's great advice thanks loser 1411, cos it really doesn't make us happy! It's so reassuring knowing that other have the same ridiculous thought processes when we know when we know destructive it is.
I hope this site is the answer this time as I truly can't afford to take any more risks.
Stay strong, we can do it! 🙂
Hi Rednow,
Lets be honest, you could turn that 50 pounds into 5,000 pounds but all that would do is make you crave the same buzz the day later. Having that big win would actually be the worse thing that could happen to you.
As compulsive gamblers we live for the 'buzz'. We're addicts.
You need to realise gambling for us is not even about the monry. Why do you 'need' to win money?. Be honest with yourself... you dont.. you gamble for the buzz, just like any other problem gambler.
last year I had my credit limit on a credit card increased by a grand. Great I thought, that would ease the financial pressure I was under. Nope, ended up losing most of that in less than an hour.
Put an end to the madness. Put blocks in place and live your life. Turn over when you see those adverts. Dont let the fat cat company bosses have any more of your hard earned cash.
All the best.
Mark
Take as much advice as you can. I realise that it doesnt matter how much money I could win it is never enough. Mark is spot on.
Keep writing your thoughts stay close to your diary.
Have a good day x
Thanks everyone!
I'm really hoping this diary and reading other people's stories, struggles and triumphs is the answer this time.
Stay strong - it's Friday!! 🙂
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