Hi Everyone,
I am currently on day 46 of being GambleFree and it feels a great position to be in. With all the possible barriers in place to stop me from gambling and my finances being controlled by a family member, I can finally breathe and a huge amount of stress has been relieved. Gambling has been in control of me for 12 years, and now at 30 years old, I am taking control of my life and the future looks bright. I have budgets and plans to stick to which I never have had in my life. Everything just feels in order and stable. Before, I was a mess and would always have that thought in my head that "Today I could lose every penny I have" because as a compulsive gambler I have no stop button. I have now understood I cant go back to how things were. Gambling is not an option as no win will be enough. I am so grateful for the help I have recieved from Friends, Family Gamcare Staff and everyone on these forums. Speaking about the issue has been a huge step forward for me and it really has improved my mental health. I dont think I've ever felt as positive as I am now! I still have debts that need to be repayed and they will take a while, but as I have everything planned and budgeted, I know it will be achieved in time. And that's a satisfying feeling.
Recovery has been better than I could have expected and I can safely say, at this early stage, that seeking help is the best thing I have done in my life. For anyone taking their first steps into tackling their gambling addiction please use these forums and all the help from Gamcare. It will be lifechanging and you will receive the best support. You are not alone and we are a community that strives to make our lives better by being GambleFree.
The past is behind me and I am ready to OWN the rest of my life. And I cant wait!!!
#GambleFree
Hi RGC well done keep it going. I'm glad you have all the barriers in place, in moments of weakness you will be glad you have them and when you're strong as you are now the barriers will just tick along in the background. Keep posting keep talking keeps you grounded and you won't take your recovery for granted. Enjoy the benefits of your hard work,best wishes
Great to hear you are doing so well in your recovery.
Your situation sounds very similar to mine.
I’m also on day 46 gamble free of my recovery after 13 years of it, now 34 and it’s amazing how as the days tick along the old thoughts are finally subsiding. I agree with everything you said, no amount is enough for us is it so really what is the point!! Apart from the ‘buzz’ which I’m replacing with exercise, spending more time with my kids and nice walks.
Ive got through a month and actually have some money left for the first time in a very long time. I’m learning to hate gambling and see it for what it is, it makes us a fraud!! Gamstop, talking to my wife, using a day counter, talking to a fantastic gamcare advisor every week and posting on here. All working well for me but can’t let the guard down. Determined to keep happy and gamble free good luck in your recovery!!
So happy to read this rgc. Xx
Firstly well done on your continued recovery. Your story and timeline is similar to mine, I’m on day 53 gamble free. I’m 35 and have been gambling on and off since I was able, I made the decision 53 days ago that I’ve got to take action, I’d lost approx £5K in the course of 2- 3 months, it had to stop and so far so good. I feel I’m in control on my life now and feel so relieved to be rid of gambling. I don’t want to be complacent but I rarely think about it, I was dreading this week because of Cheltenham but I get more of a buzz not betting and being proud of that versus actually betting and winning, seems strange but it’s true. I’ve watched only Phil on YouTube during my short period of recovery and his diaries have helped me so much, everything he says is so pertinent to the gamblers mentality, if you don’t watch him then please do.
Keep going and I’ll be sure to keep an eye on your progress. Well done
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