1 hour in!

Day 157

Cheers folks for the good wishes. Still reading through diaries most days, but not adding to my diary as not got much to say tbh.

Good luck to all the people starting out, even if it's for the 50th time. Never give up and never give in, at some stage the stars will allign and it will be the right time. Keep believing, you can beat it.

Stay strong

Russ

Day 168

2 weeks to go until 6 months. Keeping really busy atm which is a good thing.

Stay strong

Russ

Day 175

Still going strong, suffering with a bad back atm so a few days off work.

Stay strong

Russ

Hi Russ,

i joined 2013 but only just come back now. Stumbled across your post and read the whole thread! I'm on day 18 and feeling pretty good. My troubles are with FOBT's. But got a 2nd baby on way and knocking myself into shape! Your story/diary is compelling and great to see where you're at. I'm going to strive to match your efforts!!

best wishes

Ian

Hi Russ. Hope you're still going strong and your lack of action on here is just a sign that you have better things to do these days!!

Day 182

Hi Ian, thanks for reading. Hope you're keeping your resolve. Anyone that wants to beat this can. Sometimes it takes a few attempts, but eventually I think we all come to the conclusion that it really is a mugs game.

It is 6 months today since I had my last bet(seems a lot longer tbh). I cannot say that I haven't been tempted on many occasions, I just value the work and satisfaction that has been achieved, over a quick buzz and back to day 1 again. I'm not sure that you can ever get rid of the good memories that you have of gambling, I choose to counter them with more bad ones.

Stay strong

Russ

Haven't been on for a while.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Stay strong

Russ

Day 211

Just off to Wembley for England v Scotland, can't wait.

Have a good weekend

Stay strong

Russ

Day 229

Keep on keeping on. Hope everyone is well.

Stay strong

Russ

Well done mate you're an inspiration. I'm only on day 2 but I'm more determined than ever this time. Any help or advice would be amazing.

Day 235

Glad you've read through the diary Paul. It's not easy, but well worth the rewards.

Coming up to xmas and we always go to the dogs for our xmas party. This year have booked some train tickets to London and will hav a good day out there instead. Life still goes on without gambling.

Stay strong

Russ

Day 244

I am a great believer in having blocks in place, even at this stage. I have installed blocks on all of my devices, router and my installed laptop security(Kapersky). It makes for a whole new mindset, knowing that you cannot gamble even if the urge takes you. Would be interested to know if any of the people who have been given up for years, still use blocks?

Stay strong

Russ

Hi russ and well done on 244 days.

I am over 600 days but actively still keep some of my blocks in place. I was a non internet gambler (bookies slots and arcades). I still only carry a small cash amount to get only what i need. If i need nothing i generally leave my card and cash at home.

During the early days that was my strategy and probably formed a habit within me.

Dont always need those barriers but on the odd time an urge strikes it nice to have as many in the way as possible.

Best wishes

Thanks Bal. As has been said before, an addiction is what it is, and I think we all need to be mindful of the chances of it striking given the chance.

Day 265

Happy New Year to everyone.

Keep fighting and never give up, even if you relapse. Anyone can defeat this if they work hard enough at it.

Stay strong

Russ