hThe thing I find hardest to give up and leave behind is going to play poker at the casino. I’ve spent quite a lot of time over the last few years playing live poker that it leaves a big hole when I give it up. Most of my mates are married with kids now and the nights on the town have become rare, going to play poker was my escape and something I looked forward to. Unfortunately they have other distractions at the casino and betting upto £300 s spin at roulette never works out in the long run. Can anyone relate to the poker thing ? I need a new hobby that is as accessible as gambling, I’m already into my keeping fit. I need a new buzz that doesn’t involve drink or drugs as I’ve been on that merry go round too.
Hi I'm in exactly the same position as you, I have played poker online, at casino and in pubs socially and need to give up. Recently ive been six months without gambling but need to find different hobbies other than gym to keep my mind active. I was thinking maybe buy a digital camera and go on walks in countryside taking photos of wildlife, this wont give me a buzz tho. After three months off I craved something bad I wasn't drinking either so completely tee total I was going to gym everyday but felt I needed something bad in my life, a buzz, that's just the devil inside all of us I gues.
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I’m into my martial arts which gives me a buzz. Need something on the weekend nights to get into though.
Weekend nights take care of themselves if u sort out the days. Ive spent years going out for drinks but I'm past that now, bored with it really. Id rather watch a film than govo out drinking.
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100% get what you guys are talking about. My blog is called ‘the devil on my shoulders’ for a reason . Craving that something bad or naughty slightly is very natural. I’m sure better people than me can explain why . I’m not sure you can recreate that ‘buzz’ because ultimately you want to replace it with something non harmful and not bad. So photography going to the gym, films are fantastic but they won’t match that buzz. It’s more about changing your mindset I think so that it isn’t something you need to replace and you’re just content doing other things- I wish I had the answers to what they might be and maybe I’m talking nonsense but either way I wish you the best and you’re not alone in that feeling . Keeping fighting it .
I wrote to both the big casino chains near me and asked to be excluded for 5 years. This is massive for me as I think I’ve had 3 x 6 month self exclusions and I basically count down the days till it’s up. At least now I can forget about poker, I’m on gamstop as well so can’t play online. Just need to stay away from the bookies.
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