When I was really struggling with gambling, even a day seemed impossible. When I thought about changing my entire life so I don't gamble ever again, I thought it was never going to be possible. I couldn't go a few mins, without thinking about gambling and not a single day that I wasn't gambling. Chasing thousands with more thousands, and on days I didn't have much money, just to pay for basics. I only gambled for 4 years, but in that time it robbed me of literally everything, ever last pound I had saved, earned and then tens of thousands I borrowed. Couldn't pay people back so it started effecting those relationships too.
I remember coming here lots during these periods, sometimes just to read. I remember James P and a few others telling me that if I was able to build a run, even if it was a small start the urges would be more manageable and that if I was able to get to 3 months they would be easily beatable with the right mindset.
At the time I thought it was never going to be, not for me. However as I approach my third months, forget hours, days. I now have weeks where I don't think about gambling at all. This isn't a "oh look at me, I'm cured" I know I can trip any day.
I just wanted to highlight to those going through what I did, that the battle can be won, and that it does get easier. You just have to get a real hold of your problem and fight it with everything. 3 months, it's changed my life. I can promise you, it will change yours. I have some money (little but enough to not degrade myself by being who I had become), a decent life, a job, a girlfriend. All of these things, gambling robbed me of and I thought I'd never get back.
We just can't give up, or we stand no chance.
I hope everyone is having a good week, and can find some positive message in my post.
Excellent Post Judderman.
Should give people food for thought.
I'm on day 20.
Not much money but I'm feeling much happier.
Best Wishes.
Brilliant post and defo does give some positivity for us all to look towards , congrats on 3 months and the many more months to come .
Pk
Bravo on the 3 months. Thank you for keeping us informed. Your better life is an encouragement to all of us.
Thanks Judderman, great post and it's given me a boost too. You've done brilliantly and I can only echo everything you said. Keep going mate, keep building on that little spark of pride you should be feeling for having done so well. You're a good person and you deserve a happy life. FF
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