So this is nerve racking…

Hey, Haystack.

well done for self excluding to help get rid of your temptations. I am by no means an expert on currently on day 4 gf and far I feel great and like a weights been lifted. I would recommend jointing the group chat it’s daily at 1pm and 8pm there is much good advice. I’ve also been filling out my recovery diary daily. Wrote down everything you feel it helps getting it out there.

Good luck with your journey. Keep going ☺️

Hey! Well done on day 4 and thanks so much for replying. 
I will definitely try out the group chats, see if I can get some more advice from there too. I’m so determined. 
how do I do the daily recovery log? I’ll have a look! 

thanks so much, please stay on here and let’s help eachother count the days together? 🙂 

Well done for self excluding I’ve also just self excluded I’m only on day 1 today I’m excited and feel like a lot of pressure as been lifted off my shoulders by doing so even though I have debt of a few thousand I’m not so worried about that but just feel relieved x

@haystack0915

Well done for joining the GamCare forum. We hope you find the support of your fellow forum members to be helpful in your journey. You were asking how to set up a recovery diary. Just go to the Recovery Diary section of the forum:

https://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/recovery-diaries/

And click 'new topic'. Call it something that makes it easily identifiable as your diary. It is best if you return to that same topic each time you want to update - just make a new post at the end of the topic. That way you and those who want to follow your journey can find all of your updates in one place. If you need any assistance with this email us at forum.admin@gamcare.org.uk.

Best wishes,

Deirdre
Forum Admin

@haystack0915 I’ll be here as long as you need me. Happy to help each other and count the days together ☺️ Hope your okay today? 

@spendspendspend - thank you & well done too for taking those first steps!! I’ve just done my second day now and feel better for it, can’t wait to keep improving it now and staying motivated. keep at it, we will all come through this together I’m sure! 

thanks forum I will look into that tomorrow. 

@karenca - thanks so much, I’ve done day two today now which feels great! So proud of myself for coming into here. You’re doing great, I’ve been busy today which has helped hugely and that’s my target going forwards 🙂 

Hello Haystack and Welcome

You have done exactly the right thing by joining us

Yes we have all the trusted advice and information for you

The crucial factor is you have started a recovery journey so keep talking about your feelings especially to loved ones you trust. 

Build on the born again moment because gambling is a dangerous vice and a monumental scam. You dont need it in your life and you will learn over time how complex the addiction is that hooked you. 

leave it alone.... its not for you as you are wired like us to get addicted to it. You can never be complacent again and much of your time now should be watching and reading the stories of others who suffered. 

There is no refresh period.... gambling will continue to destroy you if you go back to it

You use every thought process to put the money behind you... its gone and you are still with us to see a new dawn with the birds singing

To some degree you have to say its only money and get on with protecting all your new money and spend it properly on real entertainment and fun

gambling is NOT a get it back later scheme or an income scheme. You have to bear responsibility for your actions and calmly seek some peace of mind

let the anger and confusion go to find out who you really are and why you were vulnerable.... its an enlightening journey! 

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

@joydivider 

thank you so much, I really appreciate your words! I am spending a lot of time reading stories on here for help on how people got past it and also to remind me the only way is forwards. 
today is currently my 3rd day gamble free, I’m just so worried about getting paid and making sure I don’t fall back into any trap but I’m so motivated I’m hoping that will see me through! 

your kind words help so much, hope you’re well? 🙂 

Hey hay?

hope your okay today? ☺️

@karenca hey, I’m doing okay! Struggling a little bit today, feeling down in the dumps and just don’t want to fall back into my old ways so trying to stay busy after work! 

how are you? 🙂 

@haystack0915 I’m okay thankyou. 

Im going on the group chats today if you want to come on one?

lots of great advice there. 

keep strong your doing great ? 

@karenca thanks so much!! You are doing great too. 

I’m at work, but might try and pop on for a little at 1pm on my lunch as I think they might help me! 

how many days is it for you today? 🙂 x 

@haystack0915 day 6 today ☺️

What day are you today? I feel every day it starts to get a little easier 

okay cool might see you on there then ☺️

@karenca that’s amazing, almost a week! I think it does too, everytime I think about it I just come on here to remind me why I shouldn’t. 
Today is day 4 for me, your support means so much to me - thank you!! 

I’ll try for the lunch one, not sure about tonight as I’m going to do my food shop to keep me busy. 🙂 x