Another great update, really enjoyed the article, all rang true. I have some distractions in place myself and that has certainly helped. Also this time I have avoided all gambling where as before i still bet on the lotto and euro millions, which I think is ok if you can handle it but for me I just don't want to take any chances and risk any potential urges that may come. And that I believe is a real help aswell. 51 people signing up and giving it there all to beat there addictions is fantastic, this thread is changing lives, mine included, thank you all.
Checking in 17 weeks gamble free. Thanks again for the great update Phil. Keep up the good work everyone
Checking in early Day 115, before I rip off April , Its been 4 months now since the wife moved out, still trying to come to terms with she is not coming back. Our house is sale agreeded and by the end of May i need to be out. A friend has just offered me a house to rent he has bought, new build so things are looking up. Each month another 1k comes of the bills, Its a long road to recovery but I am on it. Wish me luck .
Checking in for this week at day 149.
Cheryl
Todays the big day, well done Suzanne. A whole year gamble free and all the riches that the year has brought. A years worth of inspirational posts and support for so many of us. Thank you for all your messages of support on here and on my diary, you really are a wonderful lady. Enjoy your day, you have done yourself proud!!!
Another uber late check in but a check in none the less. Again many thanks for the updates!
Checking in on day 165.
Great update as always Phil and I would also like to congratulate Suzanne on her full year gamble free today. Huge inspiration to us all and helped so many others along the way.
Thanks for the lovely comments xx
Well it's here one year 365 days, I do feel like I have achieved something big in my life and yet at the same time it feels strange, because my recovery journey is still very much one day at a time.
From what I have read from some other diarists, when they have reached one year, they feel free from the addiction and have moved on and away, there lives are fulfilled again, to be honest that is not me, but I have moved onwards and upwards in so many different ways.
I have made slow changes to mould around my recovery, and these changes are still ongoing and as my recovery journey continues so will my changes, this addiction is not going to go away, but just changing negatives into positives and changing what I can, in other words changing my mind set because this addiction is only thoughts after all.
I had 12 PD loans out <( 3 in OHs name) and 9 in mine, they are all paid off now, because I have not gambled and got into any more debt.
I still have around 23000 in long term debt due to gambling, but it is on a self made payment plan,(no interest) so it really does not worry me now, because there are no more harassing phone calls, letters and emails.
A year on the stress from gambling has disappeared, I sleep well, don't worry about where is the money coming from to place the next bet, and what I can steal, sell, or lie to get.
I am in so much a better place than a year ago, I am totally honest with OH and family, I have enough money for food, essential bills are all up to date, I even have extra money to buy non essentials, we are going on holiday 2 weeks this weekend for a week, ( the first in 4 years) only a week in a caravan but hey, this would have been totally impossible if I had not STOPPED gambling.
I have learnt so much in this last year about the gambling addiction, it amazes me, one thing I will say, it's not about winning money
once totally hooked, it's just about getting tokens/ chips/ money etc, to be able to continue to bet till we are dry, we want to play til we reach oblivion.
My recovery journey has been anything but boring, I have been gifted with something every single day ( even when unaware of it)
I learn something new every day about my self and my life,
So to round my year up I will say, it's been very challenging at times, but not desparate, those dark days are behind me, I never want to go back, I have my self respect back, I have a truly loving partner who has silently stood by me through thick and thin, and I have my lovely sons, and their families, and I am alive living in the real world,
The last year has been truly worth it, and I will continue my journey staying one step ahead, making changes and of course one day at a time, because we are all one day at a time.
Suzanne xx
Hi..checking in for the week. Apologies for missing last week...was just so busy but no excuses.
No thoughts of placing a bet and still working the GA programme...it works for me so sticking with it!
I am checking in tonight on Suzannes brilliant achievement of a year of not placing a bet. What a wonderful and honest post Suzanne of which I can totally relate to. You have been an inspiration to so many people on this forum and it's your commitment and dedication that has seen you reap the rewards.
As you said, take it day by day and things will slowly but surely get better.
Enjoy your well deserved holiday with your family.
Well done.
Mike
Checking myself in on day 18. Feeling good and positive for the coming days and weeks. April is nearly done which leaves 4 more months till my holiday. Got to keep alert and keep strong, no slips!
Keep the check ins coming troops!
congratulations suzanne
awesome achievement which i hope you keep renewing daily
Just had a moment in the services. Was just staring at the machines, wanting to play and even checked how much money was in my wallet. It was horrible. After over 100 days the compulsion to play just hit me. Maybe because I'm tired and it's been a tough week, I don't know. But anyway, I managed to get back to the car without touching them so checking in on day 119.
Ps £3.35 for a medium coffee!
Hi all
Checking in for the week, all going well, amazing how your life can change in such a relatively short period, it's great to be in control of my life and finances again.
Congratulations to Suzanne on reaching the year milestone and well done to all who continue to abstain from this awful addiction, keep up the good work.
Scott
Congratulations Suzanne on a year GF. A marvellous achievement and your inspiring honest post really hit home with me. Checking in one hundred and something days. Every day gets better without gambling.
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