2015 Challenge – Page 112 – Overcoming Gambling Harms

Bornagain · 2014-12-22T00:00:15Z

**This weeks update is on page 45, check in is now open until midnight Saturday 4th July**Welcome to the 2015 Challenge!This thread is open to everyone, I hope it will become somewhere that helps and inspires a large group of people to take that next step in their recovery process. We start the year in different places, some of us may have abstained from gambling for a matter of minutes, others may have gone much much longer! The aim of the challenge is simple, we are going to go a full calendar year without a bet. Or the remainder of 2015 if you are joining part of the way through.I hope that as a group we can fill this thread with positivity and some amazing stories along the way. A place where friendships are bonded, coping mechanisms are discussed, we can offload when we need to and of course we will have plenty of milestones to celebrate along the way.For anyone new to this, there was a 2014 thread which was superbly run by Mr Brightside. The 2014 challenge really changed peoples lives for the better! This year I have offered to run the challenge, I have big boots to step into! I'm going to stick to a similar format, but if anyone ever has any new ideas or suggestions feel free to make them.How the challenge worksFirstly, if you would like to join then all you need to do is make a post. In this post introduce yourself, tell us about your journey so far, what form of gambling you have had a problem with and how many days you have been free of gambling for. I will then invite you to make another post checking yourself in for the week. You will then be added to the challenge and introduced in the weekly update.Secondly, once you have joined then to stay a part of the challenge you need to make a check in post once a week before midnight on a Saturday night. Let us know how recovery is going and how many days you are on. If you ever miss a check in you will be removed from the update list but free to rejoin at any time.Thirdly, I will update the forum every Sunday morning with a list of all the active members and how many days each of you has accrued. I will run through all the milestones that have been achieved or are due to be achieved the following week. I will try to keep the updates fresh and interesting so that members look forward to the Sunday update.Finally, use this thread to develop bonds and work together as a team to make life changing decisions in 2015. There may be times we are tempted or feeling low, if so this is the place to be. Tell the group how you are feeling and I'm sure there will be plenty of advice and support out there. The low times will go and being part of this challenge will allow you to have many more highs than lows, especially as the months go by! Here is to a gamble free 2015, good luck everyone!Philthe2015challenge@yahoo.co.uk2015 Membershappy days checked inSuzyLemon checked inmrbrightsidetriangle checked inBetter lifeDel79 checked inMoI Wished checked inBornagaingingermotty checked inGlads Dad delboygolf checked inJm24sonic boomGreggsboy checked inpellekaninmatty21Garyl1976insanity checked inTaxi manscotty 1971brutus123C checked inMrStop checked inshepmrdaniel1tt1980 missing soldierFreshman247cloud missing soldierLK89 checked inchartom3J33SierraJuliet checked inpaul1001 barryt27 checked inbeckyc290Stephen2105 missing soldierJohn64 checked inDazz1982BalvairdbrightfutureA86N checked inboxingdaysmay15andy14Casey checked inmba checked inskittkesLEST-WE-FORGET ClivespateGTOneMoreDayLesMisGerry8 checked injunebug1981 missing soldierLemon25Thegerman checked inAlannah checked in

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

I long to have freedom from those freehand just live like a normal person even though I know I'm not..making this forum my new addiction and finding it really helpful so apologies for lots of posts it helps putting it down and realising what ive done

Posted : 7th May 2015 9:34 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Checking in today, 107 days GF

Posted : 7th May 2015 9:43 pm

Bornagain

(@bornagain)

Posts: 1143

Topic starter

Busy week for me with work and then family problems so apologies for my lack of administration, I will get the front page updated on Friday morning. Hope everyones going strong!

Posted : 8th May 2015 1:54 am

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Checking in, into the 5 month and still going strong.

Scott

Posted : 8th May 2015 9:30 am

Bornagain

(@bornagain)

Posts: 1143

Topic starter

Front page is updated, welcome to the challenge paulcorn, I hope this helps you on your journey. 28 check ins missing, come on troops lets be having you!

Posted : 8th May 2015 9:58 am

chartom3

(@chartom3)

Posts: 763

Checking in on day 59 , still gamble free have been tempted a few times but have managed to stay strong.

Posted : 8th May 2015 10:07 am

triangle

(@triangle)

Posts: 3238

Instead of waiting til Sunday to post check in's why not try and do your check in by the Friday?

Would make it a lot easier on Bornagain. Don't we want to help him out?

Posted : 8th May 2015 10:49 am

SierraJuliet

(@sierrajuliet)

Posts: 79

Hi Phil,

Checking in on day 40 Gamble Free. It has been tough so far but I'm getting there slowly but surely. Well done to everyone along the way.

Scott.

Posted : 8th May 2015 1:08 pm

Markman

(@markman)

Posts: 629

What a great thread, Phil. How have I missed this. Can I come in?

Posted : 8th May 2015 1:56 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Checking in on day 19 GF.

Paulcorn, majid miah I can fully relate in everyday life I am a sociable person have started two businesses, rationale and most importantly in control.

But gambling has been a completely different entity, I become destructive, didnt have any real Sense of money, I was literally out of control, as a keen sportsman I enjoyed the thrill of the chase, me against the bookies or casino.

How can I be so rationale in one sense and so destructive in another? Through councilling through gamcare I have come to understand myself better , remove the element of choice, I am on the early roads to recovery but I would advise you seek help, the only person who can change you is you and you need the will to keep fighting the battle to.remain gamble free.

You are not alone, I have lost over 120k over 15 years, I would be very rich if I hadn't, but it's about accepting those losses and moving on, let's change the future not dwell on the past.

Posted : 8th May 2015 3:06 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Checking in on 25 days gamble free.

Have had a good week and an uplifting GA meeting.

Have no access to cash which makes it so much easier.

Have a good week everyone and best wishes

Posted : 8th May 2015 3:36 pm

sonic boom

(@sonic-boom)

Posts: 447

Checking in on day 135.

Posted : 8th May 2015 4:32 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Checking in day 140. Will be having MRI scans next week after agreeing to take part in tests for a new drug that is being trialled to control the Gambling cravings. Had an initial test last week and took some IQ and profiling questionnaires. I've then been given pills for the next few days which may be placebo, or may be drug (Naltrexone). Will then MRI scan me and ask me to perform certain tests which involve an element of gambling. I'll then go through the same process in a few weeks once again with placebo or drug.I'm sceptical of using a drug to control something where the addiction is not of an induced nature (alcohol / drugs), but I'm open minded and if this helps others than can only be a good thing.

Everyone is different, but for me being open, honest and talking to those close to me is the best way to combat this illness. These forums, GA, listening and absorbing as much guidance those who manage to abstain are the best tools I have found.

For the new, existing and Soilders celebrating milestones I wish you all the best.

Best Regards

Posted : 8th May 2015 6:38 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Hi Dazz yes accepting the losses is key to me moving forward and staying free of gambling this time for ever.

Posted : 8th May 2015 7:06 pm

Anonymous

(@Anonymous)

Posts: 0

Hello soldiers!!

An extremely weary Mr B checking in from DisneyWorld! Not long arrived and unpacked - now sitting making sure that I'm logged in for this week!! An early start tomorrow - Chef Mickeys and a visit to the Magic Kingdom. None of this would have been possible if gambling featured in my life - this is my reward for a long period of abstinence. The look on my daughters face tomorrow when she walks up Main Street USA and sees Cinderella's Castle for the first time will make every second of pain worth it!

Phil - just in case I can't get checked in, I'm away until Saturday 30th May - can you keep me right? Thanks mate.

Keep strong everyone!

Mr B x

Posted : 9th May 2015 2:46 am