2015 Challenge

Hi I'm Ryan. I've lost loads of money since turning 18 and now 19. I won £4500 this time last year and now have literally nothing. I've even lost all my wages from work and all my money I've saved for holiday and my girlfriends money. She's been helpful and taking care of my money from now on. I now have to wait until the end of February to have some money but even then I won't have nothing. This is because I have to pay for the holiday and also pay for holiday spending money as we had the money and I lost it to gambling.

I gamble on anything really, most of the time I don't even know what I'm gambling on. The main one is football.

I haven't had a bet since Wednesday during the night at 02:30. It's such a horrible feeling and I believe with the help I can go the whole of 2015 successful without gambling.

By the end of this year I know my life can be completely different. Have my money saved again, been on holiday and generally be happy again.

Help would be appreciated Thanks for reading 🙂

Hi checking in 6 weeks in (42 days). Life is on an upward trajectory. The debts will be there for a long time but now it's out in the open and I'm being honest there is less pressure and less compulsion to gamble. I cannot take gambling anymore, my body and mind has had enough and it's beaten me. Every day now life gets better and I'm rediscovering the ability to smile and be happy. Onwards and upwards as the saying goes. Have a gamble free week all. Andy

Hi Ryan18 welcome to the challenge, I have added you to the front page and checked you in. Have a read through the posts so far and see how things work and what helps others. Starting a recovery diary may help you and you can also call Gamcare and get some counselling. I wish I had stopped gambling so young, take this chance to beat your addiction and enjoy your life. I would recommend reading Duncanmacs recovery diary, he has so many useful answers and is an inspiration to me.

Hi everyone,

Checking in for another gambling free week

Jess x

Checking in day 48 ive never got to 50 so would be a big personal milestone for me.Hope everybody is doing well 🙂

Hi everyone checking in on Day 34 its early days still and everyday is helping imorove self esteem

Hi Glads dad checking in, going great. I hope all is well for my friends here - cheers

Checking in for another bet free week. Very little to report but enjoying the peace.

Evening everyone. I'm checking in on day 1.

I've told hubby family and friends about my slip yesterday. Talking about it really helped. I had promised hubby when I stopped gambling in may 2014 that there would be no more secrets and lies.

I've picked up some extra shifts at work to keep myself busy and the extra money will go back into savings account.

I can't pinpoint the trigger as to why I slipped. I had been noticing the adverts on the telly more over the last few days, and whilst in town on tuesday I walked past one of the many arcades and could hear the machines as they had the door open. I know that yesterday it was as if I was watching myself gamble and the voice in my head was shouting what the hell do you think you're doing?? But it didn't seem real. Unfortunately it was real.

But today is a new day. I've picked myself up, dusted myself off, given myself a talking to. I am determined that I will beat this as I have more than money to lose, I could lose my hubby and family and they're not replaceable.

So best wishes for the future and remember to stay strong. Don't become complacent about how many days you have been gamble free like I did. Wake up inthe morning and say TODAY I'M NOT GOING TO GAMBLE!

New post and new joiner.

I'm a compulsive gambler. I bet on any sport, mostly online but also in the bookies. I could bet £10 through to £2000. I've had brief periods where I've stopped but always gone back. I did £1500 on the Australian Open in the last couple of days and that was the final realisation for me. I went to a GA meeting tonight and for the first I could talk to people I could relate to and who related to me. I have some credit card debts that are going to take me 3-4 months to pay off but that's the minor thing... I just want me life back. I'm always been thinking about betting 24-7. Over the past 5 years it's taken over my life. Just this week I was lying in bed next to my wife who was sleeping whilst I had my iphone by the side of the bed watching Madison Keys and Venus Williams till 230am when I have to get up for work at 6am in the morning. I made losses and losses and starting chasing on tennis matches with players is never heard, checking no form and just lumping on. I'm constantly in a bad mood. I'm constantly down and depressed. The only time I've been happy is when I've been on a good streak. I can't control it. People who don't gamble can't understand it. They think you can just pull the plug but it's not like that... you keep thinking just one more bet... ok another one... and another one. It's all too much.

I want my life back. I want your help and in return I'll offer you all as much help as I can.

Good luck everyone. Absolutely no gambling of any form, size or type. Don't even think about it.

Sorry forgot the days... I'm day 0. I bet on wawrinka to beat djokovic this morning. I will probably try and check in most days for the first month or so. I feel so positive after attending first meeting today. This is my first attempt to totally quit for good... so not even a £1 coupon on the weekend! I feel good and admitting I have a problem has taken a weight off my shoulders. No more hiding and sneaking around.

Hiya Change I will add you to the front page and check you in for this week. Well done for attending your first GA meeting, there are loads of good people here who can help and advise you. Personally I think being honest with all those close to you and giving financial control to your wife would be a good start. Also self exclude from all the gambling sites you use and all your local betting shops. To make recovery work we need to put as many barriers in place as possible, the more the better. I don't want to sound like a stuck record, I've said this a few times, but take a look at Duncanmacs recovery diary, its an inspiring read.

Being a huge sports fan I have sat up through the night enjoying the tennis this past two weeks. I however can remember how different it is to watch when you have a lot of money riding on the outcome. Its a horrible feeling, you get stressed, anxious and then when you hit that loss you are looking for the next event to win it back. Stop putting yourself though it, take the steps and make 2015 the year you stop, just imagine how good you would feel going into 2016 gamble free!!!

Tick Follows Tock - I'm taking your advice. After recently buying a new tablet I have felt strong enough to not need the blocking software. But ... Your post has made me realise the support the triangle will provide if there are any future moments of weakness. I shall not allow complacency to take over. I'm going to download k9 now !!

Signing in day 8

Checking in, day 16 GF