I did it, 1 year gamble free and my life has changed for the better.
After going into lockdown around a year ago, I didn’t know how working from home on a daily basis was going to make me feel and with the limited amount of activities and things to do, the last thing I wanted to do was relapse out of boredom.
To compare where I was a year ago... problem gambling, trouble sleeping, constantly thinking about the next bet, wondering if I would have enough petrol to get to and from work, worrying about whether I would have enough money to keep up with the bills, the debt etc. It was pure hell and I think most of us problem gamblers all experience these type of symptoms.
Fast forward to now, I have my focus back on my career, improved home life, financially stable, enjoy having money for me again... the ‘day time nightmares’ as I call it are now a distant memory.
Do I miss gambling? Do I miss the buzz? Do I miss the fun? Yes of course, when gambling is done in moderation and you do it smartly and safely then of course... I miss it.
But I don’t miss the dark side to it as I alluded to above.
I reguarly check the latest posts on this forum and wish I could reply to all of them... but I cannot reiterate this... if you think or know you have a problem, you need to own it and put every block in place to stop you from gambling. I notice a lot of people come here after a loss or hit rock bottom (and I remember that feeling), and then the next day you feel a little better and you are back at it again.. it’s a vicious cycle.
I managed to accept that I am (not was) a problem gambler. I accepted that I needed to make a change and 1 year on, I couldn’t be happier.
It will take time, healing yourself mentally and rebuilding your finances will take time, fixing the relationships with your family will take time. And as the months past, you begin to notice the change, you begin to see life is so much better without gambling.
This is a real life problem gambler giving first hand experience on how you can truly dig yourself out of a hole and come out a better person.
I’ll always be around to support and answer any questions.
Take care!
Thank you for posting, do you have any tips to be focused and get back on the career ladder?
Wow thanks for the inspirational post . This is very helpful to people like me who are only just beginning their journey. I am 49 days gamble free and already feeling the benefits so being 1 year is I can imagine fantastic. I have owned up to my family which has been huge for me in helping in the recovery and added to the blocks and councelling is a massive help
Thats great news! Well done!
Great going
I did it, 1 year gamble free and my life has changed for the better.
After going into lockdown around a year ago, I didn’t know how working from home on a daily basis was going to make me feel and with the limited amount of activities and things to do, the last thing I wanted to do was relapse out of boredom.
To compare where I was a year ago... problem gambling, trouble sleeping, constantly thinking about the next bet, wondering if I would have enough petrol to get to and from work, worrying about whether I would have enough money to keep up with the bills, the debt etc. It was pure hell and I think most of us problem gamblers all experience these type of symptoms.
Fast forward to now, I have my focus back on my career, improved home life, financially stable, enjoy having money for me again... the ‘day time nightmares’ as I call it are now a distant memory.
Do I miss gambling? Do I miss the buzz? Do I miss the fun? Yes of course, when gambling is done in moderation and you do it smartly and safely then of course... I miss it.
But I don’t miss the dark side to it as I alluded to above.
I reguarly check the latest posts on this forum and wish I could reply to all of them... but I cannot reiterate this... if you think or know you have a problem, you need to own it and put every block in place to stop you from gambling. I notice a lot of people come here after a loss or hit rock bottom (and I remember that feeling), and then the next day you feel a little better and you are back at it again.. it’s a vicious cycle.
I managed to accept that I am (not was) a problem gambler. I accepted that I needed to make a change and 1 year on, I couldn’t be happier.
It will take time, healing yourself mentally and rebuilding your finances will take time, fixing the relationships with your family will take time. And as the months past, you begin to notice the change, you begin to see life is so much better without gambling.
This is a real life problem gambler giving first hand experience on how you can truly dig yourself out of a hole and come out a better person.
I’ll always be around to support and answer any questions.
Take care!
Great post and a massive congratulations. It really is underestimated how much of an achievement this is. You should be proud! I hope to be at your level in just over 6 months, I will get there. Thanks for sharing
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