Hi All,
Day 10 gamble free today and feeling great, been so focused. However I have just received news that one of my best friends Stag do is at Ascot races on the 8th of August. I make that day to be Day 40 by then and all I can think of at the moment is building up my gamble-free count and avoiding betting at all costs. I dont think I can say no to his stag as I've known him 20 years and if he didnt have a brother I'd probably be best man. Horse racing has always been my downfall. I love it. So a frustrating dilemma. IF I was to say leave my bank card at home, take enough cash for drink/food and the odd £5 a race would that stop all my demons growing back ?. I would still have avoided high streets shops and online betting as it's a one off event, but concern is there is no such thing as one bet !! I guess nobody would force me to bet I can just go and have beers and enjoy the sunshine but would just be a HUGE challenge and an inconvenient obstable to face.....
Hi Gerry8,
I've been gambling free for 173 days. My poison was horse racing for years. I try my best to avoid anything to do with it now (discussing racing with friends, reading papers, avoiding it on TV etc).
If for whatever reason I had to go to a race meeting, especially if drink were involved then I'd more than likely cave in and bet.
I'd have to have the constitution of a saint to keep from betting. I'd get sucked in and one thing would lead to another. That's me though and I'm not you.
You could tell your friend that for you to attend the races could wreck your recovery.You'd have to tell him how serious the situation is. If he really is a good friend he'll understand and he may well admire your honesty. I know I would if I were in his position. This is the route I would probably take. Difficult though the decision is. It's your future wellbeing that's at stake here. Ultimately, only you can decide though.
Best Wishes.
Hi MrStop ! firstly well done on 173 days thats fantastic I cant wait to be able to say that. Secondly I couldnt agree more with your post !! I've found the first 10 days if I dont look in papers at the results I cant beat myself at the horses I've previously backed winning. I know not going is the right answer and Im kidding myself contemplating going. Sober I'd have to be a saint and with beers I know for a fact I'd straight away be lumping on the first race. I will have a chat with him and say I can only make the evening do, thanks again.
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