Checking in on day 7!
Checking in on my Day 29 🙂
Good to see you back KP and still fighting yayyyy!
We CAN and We WILL
M x
Checking in - Day 7 gamble free.
Feet are killing me I hate shopping lol.Better than walking around looking for places to gamble so must'nt grumble day 55 gf.
Hello everyone,
I have been reading the website since Summer 2016, when I realised that I had a problem with FOBT'S and online roulette. I have always gambled on horses, but my max bet is £2 and that was never the problem. I was curious about the FOBT'S as I saw lots of people in the bookies drawing serious money. I work full time, and live in a nice rented house and drive a nice car that I got through work and pay for through my salary (I am not bragging, I am just grateful for what I have). The curiosity with FOBT's showed I was quite good at winning money off them. The problem for me is the self sabotage, and gambling every penny I have. I did this yesterday with wages that I had earned for some agency work I did over new year. I have realised that I am addicted and need to stop. I have blocked myself off online gambling sites, as they were an easy way for me to loose £200 in a hour. I know this doesn't sound like a lot compared to some, but it is a lot to me. I find I gamble when I feel stressed or worried, which I have a lot going on at the moment.
I am on Day 1 today, and I wanted to join something that I could check into everyday, and know that I have to be honest to post GF everyday. I have also self referred myself to the Psycho Education course that runs online here, I hope to hear back about that next week.
I just wanted to say fair play to everyone on their journey. I hope I have the strength to keep going and not put another penny into a FOBT machine..When I think about it logically, it seems the most ridiculous thing for me to do, but I have been doing it. I want to start living again, not existing. I hope I am okay to post here and join the group.
Have a good evening.
J
Hi J and thank you for your post. You are most welcome to join our group.
I have read your post where you've recognised that you have a problem. That's a positive start, and what's even better is that you have come over to Gamcare before this problem turns worse, and we're talking far worse.
Your weakness, like many of us (and me, too, incidentally) is slots including online and those detestable FBOTs.
You have blocked online gaming from all your devices, I assume, and hopefully using industrial-strength blockers like K9. The reason for software like this, easy found through the forum links on this site, is that gamblers are cunning and will somehow find a casino that ISN'T blocked otherwise.
As regards FOBTs, you can self-excluded yourself from all your local bookies. It's a start.
I would also consider the following. When you go into a bookies, think of the staff looking at you as yet another sad punter and how you personally feel it might affect your reputation.
Also consider you are wasting time communicating with soulless, lifeless computer programs, online and in the bookies. And handing over your hard earned money at the same time. As you read this , it doesn't look good, does it.
Further consider how your behaviours affect others, for example loved ones. Are you finding yourself acting furtively, shakily, moodily and even telling lies as you find yourself having to cover your tracks and explain the serious financial shortfalls...
So, what can you do. Well, practical steps are very helpful, and the course you're signing on sounds interesting (although I suspect 'psycho' was a typo 🙂 ). Do consider counselling (it's free through Gamcare) if you think it will help bolster your resolve.
You may find that stopping gambling requires determination and commitment one day at a time . This is because gambling, for many people, is a permanent condition that requires daily management .
As I've said, welcome to our group as we collectively support each other as we aim towards our target of 100 days GF. It can be done; and let's see if you can do this. I think you can.
Hi M yes I am here!! Just working crazy hours that's all!!
Mix that's a fantastic statement.
You may find that stopping gambling requires determination and commitment one day at a time . This is because gambling, for many people, is a permanent condition that requires daily management
ABSOLUTE FACT.
That is the quote of the day. It's a hard mental struggle daily as we all know.
But guess what.......
IT IS BEATABLE.
Anything is possible let my friends when your mind is focused and you have an absolute will of steel. (Or was it at the titanium stage?!)
this is a terrible affliction as we all know. If we ALL could turn the clock back would touch have had that first few quid in a fruitie? Or had that bet on that horse?
Would you have tried that wheel of death? Or backed that dog?
Would you have played that hand? Or sat at that FOBT?
The answer is YES.
WE WOULD HAVE.
But we would have NOT have ended up here.
We would have ended up like millions of others, just enjoying a cheeky punt.
So for us it IS a daily struggle, it requires commitment and determination on a daily basis.
I quit smoking from 40 embassy a day. That was HARD.
This is a different beast altogether.
But TOGETHER my friends.....
WE CAN AND WE WILL.
Hi Mixer,
I went back to Gamcare to check had I spelt psycho wrong, and that is the way they are spelling it, they call it psycho education, is that wrong?
I had that feeling when I was in the bookies yesterday. I live in a rural location and know the ladies behind the counter quite well. I just felt that they were looking at me in a pitying way. I have seen people kick the machine's, shout at them etc. I do none of that. I am very reserved and polite and just walk up the street home and cry. Nice!!
My Mam and Dad would be scarlet for me, if they thought I was putting a penny into these machines. My Dad says they are the scourge of the earth. The machines are not allowed in Southern Ireland where I lived for most of my life (how sensible). See the thing is, I know I can do it. I just need to take myself by the scruff of the neck and do it. It is pathetic and sad and beneath me. I am shocked at myself for getting sucked it. I watched that recent programme on Panorama about the FOBT'S and agreed with everything they said was wrong with them.
I am glad to have somewhere to come to check in. I can do it like, I just need to woman up and do it. I am going to look at the K9 stuff now. What put me off looking about blocking software was paying for it. Due to yesterday, it will be a struggle financially until next Friday, but that is my fault.
Thanks.
J
Hi JI35, just to let you know a few of us, myself included, are on live Gamcare chat right now. You are welcome to join us if you're free! (Just go to the homepage and click on Chat, it's open from 8-9pm). K9 can be downloaded for FREE, no charge - phone up Gamcare and they'll tell you how and other practical steps you might consider taking for good measure.
*** ROLLCALL for the 100 DAY CHALLENGE! *** - 32 magnificent hardy souls choosing life over misery, day by day. Join us if you seriously want to quit gambling forever... one day at a time. Join anythime... just drop us a post!
For members of our group still Gambling Free (28 of us) - DAY 22 COMPLETE! Start date: 14th Dec 2016, End Date: 27th March 2017. We are doing well, making great progress, one day at a time. Those of us sincerely keeping going; you are getting stronger.
For members of the group who have slipped, DAY 6 COMPLETE! Start Date: 1st Jan 2017, End Date 11th April. You are on the same path with us, just a few days ahead. We'll wait for you at the finish line because we are with you all the way. (Change - you're just a day behind on DAY 5.)
And we have a new member, welcome to JI35. On Day 1, and a brighter future starts today, and tomorrow, one day at a time. You are warmly welcomed to our tight-knit, friendly group!
*** If you haven't checked in or updated your diary in the last rolling 2 weeks, then you will be 'rested' (dropped) from the group. This is to ensure that the integrity of our group is maintained. We are a serious group, but realise this challenge isn't for everyone. No hard feelings. If you have relapsed, let us know, because our group will fully support you. Honesty shows respect for yourself and to us. Thank you! ***
No/Member/Days GF (Start Date 14/12/16 unless otherwise stated)
No. Member
~~~~ ~~~~~~~~
1 Angela (Pinky) ….. 27
2 babapapa ….. 30
3 Bal ….. 635
4 Barney ….. 37
5 Change ….. 5 (02/01/17)
6 Deeeaannn000 ….. 125
7 dsh ….. 23
8 DrewF ….. 9
9 fiddlesticks ….. 34
10 Gm88 ….. 15
11 JayH ….. 55
12 Jim24 ….. 23
13 JI ….. 1 (07/01/17)
13 Katiecoo ….. 38
14 klamm ….. 7 (01/01/17)
15 KP ….. 36
16 Lady h ….. 7
17 LHN ….. 7
18 M (SC) ….. 29
19 Mixer ….. 38
20 Moorey ….. 8
21 Paulgam ….. 43
22 Rhoda ….. 33
23 Rogerson ….. 26
24 Sam ….. 222
25 Silver ….. 112
26 Skyblue ….. 95
27 Sodawater ….. 15
28 Spud ….. 34
29 Start 2017 afresh ….. 7
30 Triangle ….. 1032 (01/01/17)
31 Wardal ….. 41
Collective running total 2849
So, here we are on Day 22. Thank you for checking in everybody. This challenge isn't easy, there are numerous distractions that could easily divert us, but the fact is we are not going to let it happen. We know it's wasting our time, money, reputation and changing our personalities for the worse. They are good enough reasons to stop on their own. There may be an underlying cause that, now our heads are starting to clear, we may be able to eke out. It might take extra help, e.g. counselling, meetings, phone or other support to help us here.
Regardless, though, right here, right now, we are ALL making a stand. A stand for a better life and not misery. Because --- we want the best for OURSELVES, and, incidentally, our loved ones and friends.
I have you continue to enjoy the first full weekend of 2017. OUR year - for once. OUR year.
P.S. KP - great post you made to JI35 a few posts back - you are dead right, knowing the 'enemy' as we do, we can keep it in check - day by day, for us long as we're determined to do so... forever is always our goal.
WCAWW,
*** JOKE OF THE DAY ***
When I first met my girlfriend
I knew she was a keeper.
She had massive gloves on.
🙂
Day 5 checking in - had a few annoying moments where I twitched but I stay focused and did something worthwhile instead.
Another day gf for Bal x
Checking in after a 14 hour working day !
Checking in!! In work today so another day chalked off here!!
Woohoo 42 days clean for me ... and had a PPI refund happy days xx
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