Linda - Just read your post. I had a very similar thing happen a few weeks ago, dreamt I had gambled, was so vivid, then woke up and felt so relieved when I realised it wasn't real. It was like my mind was trying to reinforce that horrible feeling gambling leaves you with to remind me it was a bad idea!
Glad you're managing the urges. They will certainly pass in time. As JamesP always says, do whatever you have to do to manage the urge. For me, I usually eat or drink something I like just to take my mind off things but everyone has different coping strategies.
Thanks rock, the dreams do work! I was also relieved once I realised it was a dream! yes I'll do whatever I can to keep urges at bay. Last week was worst for me but this week will be better! X
Linda
Brilliant update mr B well written and clearly you have put a lot of thought into it. Day 11 for me feeling really strong days off now. I have just been for a long walk with the dog, met my husband on the beach who had been out jogging. Time for a cuppa then off to the pool for a swim, loving my new life. X
Aargh! Missed check in again, but checking in clean in 2014. Have just had a fab weekend away in Copenhagen but no internet. Head to counselling today, so quIte excited/scared in equal measures. thanks, Mr B for fab update and promise to catch up on posts.
Can anyone join this challenge?
Can anyone join this challenge?
Absolutely Chalky - it's not an exclusive club mate, it's a tool to aid recovery!
All you need to do is give a very high level introduction, state your days clean of gambling and then commit to checking in once per week before 8pm on a Sunday night with a statement of days clean and how you're doing.
The thread has turned into more than just a thread - there's a recovery network, a sense of team and really importantly, a commitment to ourselves and each other that we will individually and collectively win out lives back from gambling.
Welcome to the thread mate!
Mr Brightside
Ok here goes. I have gambled for 18 years the last 10 up to £150.00 a week. The same old story chasing losses betting in or on any way shape or form. I have a young family now which makes me guilt ridden everytime i lose when i think where the money could have been used. I want to be clean from this, now is the time to stop handing over my wages to the bookies. Currently i am 5hrs clean from gambling. Onwards and upwards
welcome chalky,
great to have you with us on this journey.
Del 🙂
Welcome, Chalky! Stay strong, and in moments of doubt, log in and get posting. No one is pretending that it isn't tough, but honestly, sharing stories and feelings is a massive help. GOOD LUCK!
Thank you everyone, i am now approaching 1 day clean.
welcome chalky and well done on day 1!
Hey guys and gals- there is a post from Noel on the overcoming gambling section and I found it very helpful so just thought Id let you all know as it might help with any urges x
linda
Day 12 , bit of a wobble yesterday but feel proud that I fought the urge and did not succumb. Thanks to this thread I knew I couldn't x
Thank you Mr Brightside for a warm welcome and thank you also for an inspired weekly update, that is an approach that will keep us all highly motivated and feeling like we belong to something bigger. I would like to say hello and well done to all those in their first few days and weeks on here. In my experience that was the hardest part, making the decision to quit. You've done that hardest part now and every day will give you more reasons to keep away from the money grabbing machine. Because that is all the gambling business is. It is designed purely and simply to fool the brain into artificial excitement and to take your money while you're distracted by the glamour. Don't be taken in by it any more. Be kind to yourselves instead. And hour by hour, day by day, week by week, you will get stronger and happier. And you will restore your financial health too. Good luck and stay strong.
Day 65 done and dusted, trying to keep busy as I am a great believer that the devil makes work for idol hands!!
Hope your week is easier Linda. I Guess it all depends what else is going off. The past still haunts me but the pain eases. Best wishes everyone.
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