A wee update, the past 214 days have been good. Positive and staying busy and focused. But the past 2 days the urges have been really bad. Advertising for Cheltenham, it’s everywhere, on the radio and on every advert. Every day I remember myself I am a compulsive gambler and must not gamble in anyway.  I will never be able to gamble as I don’t know when to stop. Keeping busy and focused and staying strong in my fight against this horrible addiction.
Yesterday, I took a 3 x 5 index card and wrote on it, "Even once is too much" and taped it to my car dashboard. I want to remind myself to not start again. Congrats on your accomplishment and I know you can continue gamble free as you have done it now for 216 days. Way to go.
Yes well done keep goingÂ
Thanks fir the advice guys. Never in my life did I think my gambling could affect me mentally. Gambling has driven me in the past to end it all as I would be free of that feeling of being so stupid. I have turned my life around. I keep busy with work, walking, golf etc. Still dose not take the fact away I am a compulsive gambler. The past 217 days have been fine but will never take away the urges. I suppose now it’s how I deal with the urges. The world we live in we are surrounded by bookmakers advertising. Sometimes it’s hard to block the past  out as I have told so many lies to cover my gambling up. I think the guilt hits you and makes you realise I am in this mess due to gambling.Â
Hello aliwonton1,
You're doing really well. Congratulations on 217 days gamble free, but more than that, congratulations on taking all the actions you have to help yourself recover.Â
We're sorry that gambling has caused you to feel so low as to attempt suicide in the past. It's great to hear that you have turned your life around, but for you and anyone else reading this who may be struggling with suicidal feelings either now or in the future, there is help.Â
You can always talk to Samaritans, available 24 hours a day every day on 116 123 which is a free number. The GP is the gateway to NHS support for mental health. There are also charities who can help such as MIND and Maytree, who offer support and potentially residential retreat for anyone feeling suicidal.Â
If you ever need any support with your ongoing recovery from problem gambling, please do contact us on 0808 8020 133 or by livechat. We're here 24 hours a day.
Keep posting,
Deirdre
Forum Admin
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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.
