Just a tip for those of you who are struggling.
After 7 years gambling I am on my longest run being gamble free, today is day 33.
Keeping a diary on this site has helped a lot but the best decision I made was ordering a new debit card and having my girlfriend scratch off the security code on the back before I had a chance to look at it.
All I really needed to know my security code before for was online gambling and shopping. If ever I need anything online now I type my card details in and pass my phone to my girlfriend and she types the security code in for me.
Having no chance now to be able to deposit online has helped me slowly forget about gambling and made me realise how much better life is without it.
Some might think this is a drastic move but I had an addiction and wanted to get rid of it and after putting blocks in place and finding ways around them in the past I thought this was the only way. I needed to get rid of the temptation of gambling and doing this has done that.
Now It is not possible for me to gamble online and recommend those who are really struggling to think about doing the same.
Absolutely CM3003 and well done!
Anybody that thinks that is drastic has got it completely wrong. These are the essential and minimum standards required. Those that dont understand the serious blocks required, do not understand the power of a gambling addiction.
This sort of measure is whats needed as there is a cold turkey period when the mind starts to heal properly. The days rack up with proper blocks in place and it doesnt become a struggle counting the days. We must never be complacent but I am absolutely sure it can not be done with just willpower alone.
When we dont gamble we realise that life is better and it returns to normal. I have money in my pocket. I still have to save for a rainy day like other people but I am gamble free and proud of that.
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Well done on being 33 days gambling free. I'm currently on 54 days and like yourself I have handed all control of my cards to my girlfriend. It's not drastic move mate because like you said not being able to deposit online is making you forget about gambling. This is what has happened to me. 54 days ago I self excluded myself from over 30 shop bookmakers and self excluded any extra online sites i wasn't already blocked from. Removing the access to gamble has not only removed any temptation it's just made me forget about it all together and gave me a moment to sit down and think about how better life has been without it. I feel so much better in myself and my girlfriend has noticed a difference. The other day we went shopping in a nearby city and booked a hotel there and stayed out for a meal and drinks. That would of never happened if I was gambling. Id also like to add that the city i went to had bookmakers i wasnt self excluded from and I can tell you it was no problem at all. The most important thing though is to not let your guard down and continue taking one day at a time.
All the best mate and I hope 2018 and many years to come you remain gamble free.
Its deffinately helped me forget about gambling, i dont think I could have gone this long if I had access to my debit card online.
Im lucky where I have never really gambled in high street bookies so I havent been sucked into them and can walk past them easily with no temptation. I had to block myself from online gambling as to me depositing £50/£100 in the end was nothing just a number on a screen and it wasnt until I lost that I realised what I was doing.
Happy new year all
Really pleased to hear of your success, I took a similar route and put my cards through a shredder months ago, years of finding ways around blocks finally made me realise I had to do something drastic. I hope it continues to go well for you.
Happy new year to everyone on the forums.
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