Sick of this

Dear @walks15,

really sorry to hear how much you are struggling still with not being able to gamble. Have you seen or spoken to your GP over the past 11 days? Do you think there might be something else going on as well?

It is unusual to have such strong physical 'withdrawal syndromes' for such a prolonged time, so it is important that you speak to a medical professional. 

I would also recommend that you look at ways to keep your hands and your mind occupied, maybe a little arts project, do some baking or get a jigsaw puzzle. Anything really that can help you get through this phase.

Hope things will improve soon.

All the best,

Eva

Forum Admin

@walks15

It sounds like you are experiencing initial withdrawal symptoms from abstinence. This is a vulnerable place to be. If you haven't already, I would recommend you block your access to gambling sites with GAMSTOP. 

The last time I abstained I did not use GAMSTOP and I experienced a lot of mixed feelings. I only excluded from sites I played regularly. I think because I knew that the option was still there to go gambling somewhere else, I had a lot of conflicting feelings and it took a while for my anxiety to settle. However, this time I registered with GAMSTOP on Day 1. It is now Day 2, and I am not experiencing anywhere near the level of anxiety I did last time. And I think it is because I know I don't have the option to gamble, so there isn't nothing to be conflicted over, if that makes sense.

You could also call the helpline on here. Discussing your feelings with another human who won't judge you, and will understand how you feel might be helpful. Haver you disclosed to anyone in your life about your addiction? Holding it all in could make you feel unwell and create a 'pressure cooker' situation in your mind. Telling someone and getting reassurance would alleviate this pressure, either through helpline or trusted friend/family.

Have you started a diary? Getting those thoughts and feelings out through writing is something that helped me immensely last time. But I am back, aren't it? Why? Because I did not protect myself properly by avoiding GAMSTOP.