217 Days Clean & Counting

Hey everyone. 

I used to be a regular lurker on here, often reading topics about people managing to beat their addiction, with a measure of disbelief, envy and admiration for them. I type this today as a 35 year old, who has probably lost over £200k and has quite a lot of unnecessary debt, but equally someone who can say - I genuinely never imagined I would stop gambling & so far I have. 

 Every day, every event, every social gathering, every hour of the day or night - gambling was in my mind. I was constantly up & down, emotionally and financially - never satisfied or happy, constantly needing to scratch the itch and chase the buzz.

I had accepted a year ago, gambling would always be a part of my life, as it was too ingrained to leave. Im here to tell you that it ABSOLUTELY doesn't have to be. 

I couldn't imagine a day I met my friends at the pub, watched arsenal or went on a mundane day out & didn't spice it up, endlessly gambling. Trust me, you have more strength than you know to kick this. 

I went 1 year gamban, and told myself I can last a month. No betting. I did this, then told my friends & mum. I then upped it to 5 years and can honestly say my head has never been so clear. I would be lying if I said you don't miss that very rare,.occasional rush from a big win. But youll also be saying goodbye to the earth shattering sadness, guilt, stress, anxiety and pain of struggling to make ends meet, lying and constantly going to bed guilty. 

If anyone wants to reach out for help, please feel free

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