GamStop..but can't stop thinking about gambling

Can i ask how you blocked your phone i am having problems blocking my phone

I currently use gamban it did cost I think £2 something for a month, or can do annual one. They had really good instructions included on how to set up. It basically installs a VPN on your phone so you can not visit any gambling related websites/apps 

Hi Libbyuk 87

I hope you will keep talking through your thoughts and getting involved on the forum

Its natural to think of gambling especially in the early days. If you think of it more like a smoker craving a cigarette or someone craving a drink it makes more sense 

It is a drug addiction and I know that chemical flutter feeling that gamblers feel in the bloodstream. You will feel that from time to time but its your body playing tricks on you.

Thats why I for one call it cold turkey just like weening off any drug. You learn to focus the mind  and go and do something else. You cant tell me gambling did you any real good or that it was an income scheme. Cold turkey is not pleasant but the urges do fade

The focus on how gambling harmed you together with support from people close is what you need. Youve got to be doing something when you feel urges. You have to learn to do something worthwhile...not just watching telly..you got to feel as though you are do everything to move on

You need the strongest of reality checks so its no joke when I say sit down and explain a gambling session in detail to a non gambler and someone you trust. It will sound like you are telling them a fairy story of delusion in your own mind.

You also have to face words like illness. An addiction which harms you is an illness of the mind. It is a fight for your own mind but you can get through it. 

It is the strength of a born again moment. Yes you have to turn a lifetime recovery into a positive statement. Nobody says stopping gambling is easy but I also feel it doesnt have to be that hard when you are focused.

You need all the help and a new relationship with people around you. They will help you see the light until you are more interested in keeping your money and making people proud of you.

I can never be complacent again but so what as I turn that into a positive statement. I respect the power of the addiction and you sort of learn to forgive and not live in complete fear if you know what im getting at.

Honesty openness and a spiritual depth are extremely important

Try Ho'oponopono which will open your mind and I find it very helpful.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Thank you for your reply, I can totally understand what you mean I gave up smoking a year ago in a couple of weeks and I never thought I'd do that after 20yrs..so I know in time things will get better. Just have to ride the storm, thankfully I have blocks up so early days are helped 

Hey Libby,

Congratulations on both your acheivements - quitting gambling and smoking, for me I've been off the cigarettes 1 year 7 months now, and off the gambling 54 days and counting.

I could not have done this without Gamban and Gamstop, along with Gamcare and the wonderful counselling they referred me to over the phone, are you trying the counselling at all? Its all over the phone for me a couple of times a week and great to keep you focused on abstinance.

Please keep us all posted on your story!

Trizzybee

Thank you trizzybee for your reply, yes I am finding gamban the true saver as with Gamstop I just found myself searching and searching websites for one's not on there..this has definitely saved me time, money and mental health two folds.. I have found yesterday I did not think about gambling as much, and trying to take part in the 2 chat room sessions a day just to keep my focus. Well done yourself on not smoking and staying gf ! I'd say if we can do the smoking surely we can beat this too. I havent tried the telephone but I get very anxious about phone calls so probably just stick to written help for now. 

Keep going forward

Libby  

Thanks for your post on my diary libby. Hope you have had a nice gamble free day ?.                                                                                                        Scottyboy