So.. it has been a whole year since I gambled, I just think about the shame and embarrassment telling my wife. How low I felt at that moment is enough to never go back. Only 4 more years to recover from the financial slaughter.
However, when gambling I never noticed how much it is EVERYWHERE. Now that I have stopped I must say everywhere I look it's there, I can't watch sport, the TV, listen to the radio, walk to the local shops, browse the internet without seeing gambling ads. It almost seems as though more and more are popping up.Â
Is this something others have noticed? Or is it just because of years of gambling abuse and then to stop my brain is seeking it?
Hello artyg,
Congratulations for 1 year gambling-free!
Emotional reactions tend to create stronger memories (happy, sad, angry, excitement etcetera). Your brain thinks that if you are having an emotional reaction to something then it must be important and must be remembered. This may possibly why you are describing particularly noticing the gambling advertising in your first year of recovery.
As well as software blocking online and self-exclusion for venues of gambling there are a few other smaller strategies that might make your recovery more ‘comfortable’. Watching streaming platforms instead of live TV channels (less likely to have gambling adverts). There may also be options such as turning off notifications, unsubscribing from gambling operator marketing communications and deleting the apps from the homepages of your phone. Some people change their phone number (I acknowledge that this may incur a small cost and time to re-connect with your legitimate contacts). Some may even swap to a non-internet enabled phone for a while during their gambling recovery journey. Some people also find it beneficial (if they cannot take an alternative route) to have sunglasses on and listen to music (or text or talk to a friend on their mobile phone) whilst walking past betting shops and casinos.
If you are based in Great Britain, feel free to discuss these strategies with one of our Advisors on the Helpline 0808 8020 133 (or webchat) any time.
Thank you for sharing this on the Forum
Louise
Forum Admin
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