feeling in control again

Hi Brownie,

It's good that you feel you've got your gambling more under control, but I remain highly sceptical that someone with an addiction to gambling can maintain that level of control in the long term. Of course you may prove me wrong and you may be the exception to the rule, but I doubt it.

My question is - why take the chance? If you've limited it right down and feel you can walk away from it after a loss, why not walk away completely? That way you minimise your risk of it spiralling out of control again.

It's great you feel better about yourself and you are looking to the future again - that is indeed a liberating feeling. But I suggest it would be even better - even more liberating - with absolutely zero gambling.

It sounds as though you don't want to let go of it yet - I understand that, I remember feeling the same. But as you know very well, this horrible disease controls us - and I believe it will take control you again if you carry on gambling, make you chase your losses, lead to a rapid downward spiral - because that's what always happens. That is not to disrespect you in any way or question your strength or will power - but rather I am fully respecting the incredible power and persuasiveness of this disease. It is, I'm afraid, stronger and more powerful than we are - we need to respect that, and move away from it completely.

hi rossco and thank you for taking the time to comment on my post, and yes I understand what your saying and I totally agree, for me personally it was about regaining control and then setting a new goal after that so step one has succeeded, i have mixed emotion il admit about totally stopping which is why i am not pressuring myself currently into step 2, hopefully changes im making in my life will start to lower and thoughts i hhave about gambling therefore eventually stopping 🙂 many thanks and best wishes 🙂

Hi Brownie - great that you are on the right road and want to quit one day - I suppose a two-phase approach could well work for some people (sort of a halfway house I guess). I hope you can move into step 2 before too long - good luck and all the best.

Ross

thanks ross anything is worth a try

Hello mate, to be able to take control over something that has had control over you for a period of time is very admirable. My hat is off to you matey. In the same way it's like being a 40 a day smoker, then all of a sudden taking control of it and making it 5 a day. Whilst it's still smoking, it is controlled. That is the main thing buddy, never let anyone tell you different. You do what works for you. The fact that you can gamble but not cause emotional and financial disaster having had no other choice in the past is an amazing display of self control, willpower, and self belief. I hold the very highest of respect toward you pal. Take it easy and keep going safely. Just one thing, DO NOT EVER chase that fiver. It is ONLY a fiver.

JimmyC - 10/01/14

thank you jimmy really appreciate that message of suport and you absolutely hit the nail on the head, for the first time in 4/5 years the SMALL bets I have are again because I can afford a small bet and because its enjoyable again, im not doing it for a buzz, im not doing it because I need money and im most of all not doing it because of how I am feeling or my self esteem, its a great feeling to think this hasn't got the hold over me that it used to. many thanks again and hope all is well.

adam

So come on then Brownie, how did today go? Give me some good news!

JimmyC - 10/01/14

hi, jimmy

I walked into the bookies with £20 today as I no I could afford that as ive paid evertything out for this month, I put a small football bet on for £2 and saw a horse named after my son which I backed with the other £8 I then walked out wit money still in my wallet.

all the best

adam