Thought I’d cracked it.

Hi Vin47,

It's not the lapse but how you deal with it.

Maybe time to reflect on why you chose 6 months with Gamstop rather than 5 years.

 Your self exclusion ran out friday, were you counting the days down until you could gamble again ?

This is not a criticism  - I've been there myself.

It's not an illness that is 'cured' in 6 months.

What time have you put on this time ?

If its 6 months, what is going to happen early January 2020 ?

What additional safeguards do you need ?

What additional support do you need ? Gamblers Anonymous, counseling ?

Hi

Its all a learning process Vin47 but thats a learning where to begin with rock solid foundations for recovery.

Willpower alone will not do this. It requires a born again moment to realise that help from all avenues is needed. You really need to involve people close to you and the blocks needed are restrictions on your access to cash/cards

Are you ready for that because its no game with an addiction like this

There are exercises to do to face reality head on. Try and explain a gambling session to a non gambler you trust. Write down your actual losses and look at it. Thats what gambling is but it harms you more than that. It takes away your self respect and the trust others have in you. It takes away your life literally

It destroys people and takes them to new lows every step of the way to total ruin. It deludes people into creating a comfort zone and it controls minds. Your mind is not actually your own when an addiction takes hold

The world of gambling is a false one. Other punters are mostly addicts......what comes out of their mouths is nonsense and just like the gambling industry thay are far from being your friends.

Its actually a drug addiction because you cant tell me its a winners game on those odds.From the horses to the machines nobody is offering easy life changing odds.

The goal is a serenity with life that will amaze you. You dont need gambling in your life. The answers are within you.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Thanks both for your replies. 

You are both correct in what you say. 

It was a very strange experience, I only gamble at online casinos, the 6 months gamble free have resulted in a healthier bank balance and a better relationship with my wife.... but, I still thought I could play for fun now and again. I’ve signed up for 5 years at Gamstop, I will look into further blocks as you both suggest. 

Thanks again