Just seen on another forum that someone has a thread called Project 60 - the idea being at the age of 60 they want the mortgage paid off and be able to retire because all their savings haven't gone on gambling. That's the sort of mega long term goal we should all be aiming for... unless you're 59 and a half...
I can only focus on christmas ATM but good luck to those on that challenge. I need this one and I am glad to see we are fighting onwards together in what is a tough journey
We're going for new year IWSM! So add on another week 😉
Day 20 today and another 153 to the end of the year. Had a tough weekend. Lot of bad thoughts and can't really deal with work today as my mind is still going through everything. Have some fairly incredible guilt and struggling to deal with it. I need to deal with it though or I can't move on. Hope everyone else had a better weekend.
Hi change
well done on day 20 ! you are ahead of me. i understand how you feel, had a tough weekend to thinking over things. Thats
why we gamble sometimes to forget so in a sense recovery is kicking in leaving us to open our eyes to our behaviour.
What I will say though is you are no where near that dark alley you were after that dreadful relapse. You picked yourself up, dusted yourself down and got back up fighting.
You are now a none gambler. Let the past go. Breathe in the air today and think of all the lovely people around you in life
that money can not replace
Thanks IWSM. Just got to move on. Looked into counselling today.
HI guys, first time on here... had a awful weekend... time to admit my addiction and get some support of people in the same boat, I was wondering how people put a structure in place to avoid slipping into bad habits again
Hi 1987 - there are lots of things you can do to make gambling more difficult - I've listed some below:
- self exclude from bookies and online accounts
- limit amount can withdraw from ATM machine
- order a new debit card and scratch off the back three numbers so you can't make online transactions
- tell friends or family of your struggle
- go to GA meetings
- get enrolled on a counselling course
- walk different routes to avoid bookies
- find a hobby to occupy time
- hand financial control to someone else and let them give you an allowance
- show your bank statements to someone each month
- avoid watching sport or reading sport pages
- read about addiction
- become positive and avoid ruminating about the past
- put in place a budget and / or saving plan
- download an app to track progress
- start a diary on the forum
- go on the gamcare chat room
- get blocking software for computer and phone
- get rid of smartphone
all these things are blocks or barriers but not the solution - you'll never be 'cured' but you need to find the reason you gamble or one day you'll find a way around the barriers
hope this helps but message me back and start a dialogue
Day 21 and 152 to new year! Did a lot of reading around the subject yesterday. Need to stay on top of the addiction.
Got a little bit of spirit back today. Hopefully back on an upward trajectory.
Good to hear change !
I have had to stop myself from finding ways to gamble these past few days as the urge has been ever strong.
However I remain gamble free and hope as a team we can see the new year in together.
Yes I have added the extra week on change, who was I tying to kid 😉
Day 22 and 151 to go. Got a busy day ahead today. Need to stay focused and have a positive mind to do well today. I can't be drifting off into negatively or gambling thoughts. Stay strong all. Keep the faith.
150 days to go! Nearly 149 now!
Well done on your 50 days! There is a long way to go but try and remember the journey is more important than the destination. We grow everyday and understand ourselves better the longer we travel. Of course there will be days it feels like we have stalled or taken backward steps but it's the next day we must keep moving forward.
Hawaii Day pal!
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