Hi all. It's been a while since last posted here but been on and off gambling for a while and it's caused nothing but problems as it does. Things have slowly got worse. In debt and have no money in the pocket. I feel I've been consumed by this habit to the point of not knowing what to do when I stop. I don't know how crazy that sounds. Has anyone any practical advice of things they found helpful during the short-term? I'm looking to purchase blocks and focus on complete abstinence. Getting back to the gym. It is a nice feeling to know I can sort all the money problems out but any wisdom that can be shared is always appreciated. Cheers.
Hi Anon
I can only suggest what's worked for me short term and I guess on day 176 fairly long term
Blocks and friction to a bet, as you mention are incredibly important. I registered with Gamstop to self exclude for 5 years, Moses and Sense even though I've not been in a bookies for 5 years or a casino for 30 years. I gambled every day for 44 years so why risk it and leave a loop hole.
I moved my banking online to Monzo as it has no branches. Reduced my atm limit down to 20 and blocked gambling transactions. I only carry a small amount of cash and get receipts for my partner. She has the password to my app and whenever I leave the room a leave my phone on the side so she can check. I also show my mum whenever I see her. Gives them both peace of mind.
I do a lot of walking, reading, talking to people and housework for healthy dopamine. Post on here and on Evive.Â
I gratefully received counselling free of charge through the amazing advisors on here who I'm spoke to a lot at the start.
I've been an active member of GA in person and online from day 6 and am doing the 12 steps which is life changing for me. Just finishing step 4 this week which is the long one.Â
For me it's all about replacing active addiction with a life I have no need or desire to ever give up. I'm getting back to the real me, not the fake driven life of gambling. I've learned what kept taking me back thereÂ
Hi I am coming up for nearly a year gamble free and it's amazing the change in my life. The best advice I can give is take each day at a time and if that's hard break it down, an hour at a time etc, set small manageable goals. Put as many things in place as you can to prevent a bet such as apps like Gamban, handing over control of finances, blocking gambling transactions through bank etc. I attend my local GA group once per week and it's helped massively the advice I have been given and the strength within those rooms is inspiring. I'm a compulsive gambler but I'm almost a year off a bet and my life is more manageable and enjoyable. Best of luck on your journey.
Hi I am coming up for nearly a year gamble free and it's amazing the change in my life. The best advice I can give is take each day at a time and if that's hard break it down, an hour at a time etc, set small manageable goals. Put as many things in place as you can to prevent a bet such as apps like Gamban, handing over control of finances, blocking gambling transactions through bank etc. I attend my local GA group once per week and it's helped massively the advice I have been given and the strength within those rooms is inspiring. I'm a compulsive gambler but I'm almost a year off a bet and my life is more manageable and enjoyable. Best of luck on your journey.
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.
