Just wanted to write something down, I have managed to stop gambling for 143 days until the last few days where I relapsed and spent all the money I had saved in the last 4/5 months.. I know there are various triggers, I need to try and learn from them all the time… this time I was feeling really down and alone and negative about my life and how I have messed everything up… I stood next to the machine for 15/20 mins fighting the urge and I just gave in. Knowing full well this would be the result.. I am able to go 3/4 months quite easily and I always seem to need to mess it up.. I lost a lot of money and now I have to start again for the 1000th time… it’s just sad I can’t progress with my life. Although I have only had 3 bouts of gambling in the last year each time I end up back at 0 so it’s the same result.. I just feel very low right now but I have to find the strength to carry on… I did so well, it’s the finances that c*****e me.. I have worked so hard all my life and have nothing to show for it. I really need to do something different this time. Sorry just needed to vent my emotions I guess. Hope everyone is staying away from this horrible addiction.
Hi there.
Firstly, going 143 days g.f is a huge achievement so well done for that 👏👏👏.
I would suggest putting every block in place possible. Was this slot machine in a betting office? If so, you can do something about this (online was my main issue). Also, you said you stood by that machine for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, this only allowed for the inevitable to happen and acted as a huge trigger 😢.
For most people on here, willpower is just not enough. I would encourage you to get every block in place you can as it would appear that you want to better your life and finances, especially as you say, you work so hard 👏.
Today is a new day. Today you can say “no” to gambling.
Wishing you strength and determination 🙏.
Pink Lady 🩷🍎.
Hi Sean
Pretty much reiterate what Pink said. I don't want to sound harsh because those periods off gambling are fantastic but I'm sure you would agree that if you then relapse, feel awful and it costs you more than money then something isn't quite right.
I'm a strong believer in what Pink says about building a moat around your castle. Gambling is on the other side so there needs to be enough blocks, barriers and accountability in the moat to stop that first bet. If you can make it virtually impossible to place the bet then you can concentrate on building a life you don't want to lose and be the best version of yourself as possible.
I'm sure you know you can self exclude, block gambling on your bank card, don't carry cash, Gamban for your devices if you go online, Gamstop to self exclude, self excluded directly in any establishment. Accountability can someone look after or watch over your money by looking at your app and you get receipts for everything ?
Connection, can you talk to anyone about your feelings ? Maybe go to GA online or in person and go to the chatrooms on here ?
I gambled for 44 years. Its taken a lot of work but I have no interest in gambling anymore on day 205.
Hello Sean. I am sorry to know what you are going through, I’ve been there many times just like you. Now I do have more than 13 months since I gave up gambling. No matter what you will do, in the end you will never win, it is a game where you are the loser all the time, it is not funny at all, just give up and admit you are finally beaten and you can’t win. I suggest you that you should stop chasing money, just be content; who said that our purpose on this world is just to work hard all our lives and that we have to show that we’ve done well and that we own things?? We own ourselves and we own our thoughts and decisions. Nothing else. The other things are just things and we will leave this world with nothing.
You ended up next to the machine ask yourself how did u end up next to it what lead you to the point you were next to one and change the routine that made u end up next to one wishing you the best and keep head up high
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
