Seeking support

Hey Nat,

Im in a similar boat to you. Been gambling for 6 years. Really dont want to burden loved ones. Shame, guilt etc. Im only on day 4 of being GF so Im not sure if I/you can recover just with peers. However I do know that since connecting on here with people who are experiencing similar thoughts/feelings I feel much better about recovering. 

Connecting, exercising and subscribing to 2 apps (habit drop and Mo meditation) is helping me aswell as taking one day at a time aswell as blocking any access to online sites.

Hit a really low point last Friday but it felt like my rock bottom. Since then Ive turned my focus around onto just being the best I can be on a given day.

You can do this Nat. It might seem rubbish at present but Im gonna be here to connect with you aswell as other people like Fran and Stu. 

Stay in touch.

Rich.

Hi NAT

I'm 112 days into recovery after 44 years of gambling. I learn more each day but I love the fact that you have realised its pretty much impossible to do this on our own. I was worried whether I could switch the light off and what support is out there, I shouldn't have. Firstly coming on this community, posting, talking to the advisors by clicking the button bottom right and you can ring or live text chat, and by coming to the chatrooms (6pm 7pm and 8pm) tonight is key. I built up my support network which is robust. I'm no expert but I put a post on here in the newcomers forum section called do you want to give up gambling. I've thrown a lot at my recovery and it's all listed there. Something on there might help you as it's helped me.

I think peer support is one of the keys to recovery. Being around people who understand and I thank god for this site and my GA group. Learning about the addiction, connection to people and the world, opening up and sharing all means to much. It took me a long time to post my story on here in the recovery diaries. I don't think I wrote it until day 50 or so. For me it took a lot of courage to be honest and open plus over four hours to write. It was liberating to get it all out.

You are not alone, we are all here to help and support you. This is your journey and if you want it I can tell you there is an amazing life for you as it does get better. There are tips and advice which work for a lot of people but it's your journey. 

Hi 

Well done for reaching out on here . Im on day 34 GF , my family arent aware of my gambling. 

Have you got all the blocks in place ?I found gamban and gamstop really helped me. 

This is a great place for support and advice. 

Hey guys thanks so much for all your kind words and support I’m struggling with urges just now, but I’m struggling but distracting myself… 

this is a great community and so many resources and support here, thank you for making this easier ❤️❤️

Hi NAT

What you mention about urges is great that you are talking about distractions. The minute I think about gambling at all is when I call on my support network, people and things I can reach out for when I need it. I've managed to slot in a robust network which gives me a safety net. When im going through hell I need to tell myself to keep going 

Good luck and keep it up