So I reached a nice little milestone on 50 days gamble free yesterday. Having gambled a couple of times a week pretty much every week since I was 19, it's been a big change but a very welcome change. The first few days were undoubtedly the toughest but I had good barriers in place to make sure I stayed strong. Now I'm so determined to see that 50 reach 100 and then 200 etc etc. I've never really known what it's like to have money as I've gambled since school days so I'm learning how normal people live. It's surprisingly great.
I'm still guarding a lot against complacency. Many stories on here are of relapses a number of weeks or months down the line. Does anyone have any suggestions for what triggers it or how best to avoid relapsing? It feels like something I would never do right now, particularly with all the barriers I have in place, but I want to keep getting better - life has become so much more enjoyable since I stopped.
If I can stop, there's hope for everyone! Hope everyone has a great gamble free summer.
U14
Congratulation on your achievement and keep up the good work.
Best wishes
Well done. Super achievement!
Congratulations, for me a lapse seems to come when i want to buy something new, i think if i just win £100 then that item would then only cost me '£...' without thinking it will probably cost me an additional £100+ if i chase, or i just wont buy it, which is sad, im currently 25 days gamble free and have treat myself a couple of times in the last month and it feels good to purchase something without trying to 'win it' another trigger for me is if ive had a drink sometimes i fancy a bet if the timings right, so for me i will have to be careful of that, its all about what you find brings you to gamble and trying to irradicate that. Good luck.
Hi unstoppable14,
Well Done. Great achievement.
I've found that a family crisis triggered the last lot of gambling I got involved with. It was a form of escape from all the stress.
Work stress was another trigger. When things were going badly. Escapism again.
There is also danger lurking at the other end of the spectrum. When things are going very well in some peoples lives. They think where's the harm in having a little dabble and one thing leads to another .........
The gambling devil is among us in our many moods and life situations, I guess.
I recognise the triggers now so I divert my energy into hobbies and keeping fit.
Extemely strong anti-gambling measures are the best form of prevention.
I'm 189 days "clean" and it's not a boast. Still no room for complacency.
Cheers Everyone.
Thanks everyone - some great advice as always.
I don't think about gambling nearly as much as I used to - I feel like that's part of my life I've moved on from. But - as you point out Mr Stop - there are more dangers that come with thinking you're over the worst. I'm going to avoid gambling in any scenario, even if my friends go to the casino after a night out or something I'll be sure not to go.
Here's to the next 50 days, for everyone.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
