I have had a gambling problem for about 9 or 10 years now and throughout that time, I have lost a lot of money and got into so much debt. Just over 2 years ago I became serious about wanting to stop for good and I have enjoyed some extended success but never seem to manage more than a few months in a row. I have recently been gambling again and had been keeping it a secret (like the true gambler that I am) but tonight, my partner found out and as expected was bitterly disappointed. However, we have talked things through and I have already phoned Gamcare for a chat. It's not going to be easy but recovery must start somewhere - so tomorrow will be day 1 for me again! I am determined this time to write in my diary daily, and not to get too complacent when things start to go well, and I need to put into practice all the things that I know can and will help my recovery process such as self-exclusions and anti-gambling software. Wish me luck everyone!
Wishing you every success in your recovery Sully . Great that you have joined Gamcare where you can interact with all kinds of people sharing a common desire to stop gambling . Stay strong , the addiction is devious and shows no mercy !
Just getting to the end of my first full day without gambling. It's been a good day and I have spent time talking to my partner about various things to do with why I keep going back to gambling. He's going to help me where possible but obviously most of the hard work will be down to me, making sure I have self-excluded from venues, organising my finances carefully and talking about my feelings more. But I am so lucky to have his support. Hope it has been a good day for everyone else too!
How strange Sully, I hadn't posted on your diary, but was just about too, before I finally go to sleep.
I agree with what abstainer has said, well done on getting through today 🙂
Be kind to yourself to on this painful journey, some things that have helped me have been little things like having a bath, eating some chocolate, going to the supermarket, having a walk, speaking to a loved one, reading the diaries of others on here, writing in this diary, even having a nap has helped!
Well done again for getting through this day and as Abstainer said 'Stay strong'.
Day 2 has passed without incident so that's 2 whole days now without gambling, even though I was feeling a bit depressed tonight. Watched RuPaul's drag race to cheer me up:"If you can't love yourself, how the hell are you gonna be able to love somebody else?! Can I get an amen?!"
Thanks @ Who am I and sorry for the confusion about my post - I obviously navigated the thread/diary wrong! But I appreciate your support and suggestions. Good luck to you too!
Well done on getting through the two days gambling free!!
Day 3 passed without incident. Was distracted most of the day because my dear friend needed my support. It's so much better to invest in friendships than to invest in gambling!
Just checking in. Haven't been logging on recently as had lots of other things going on. But safe to say that I have now completed 20 days without any form of gambling. Am finding that I can be quite addicted to playing on gaming consoles and I don't give up easily and don't like losing...my partner has noticed this trait too. It will be interesting to explore when I have some more counselling that I seem to have an unwillingness to stop certain behaviours, as no doubt this has fed my gambling addiction over the years. Does anyone else find a similar thing? That they find it hard to say no, or to stop?
Hi Sully
Well done on getting to 20 days gamble free. This is the hardest period I find so well done on getting there. Great news that your partner is on board to help as well! I used to be on games consoles all the time, where others could just switch it off whenever they liked, I found I had to play it to excess, probably unil my eyes started to hurt! I think this is a common trait in compulsive gamblers, it may not be games consoles but I would imagine most will have some sort of obsessive traits. Just the way we are, we have to learn to live with it and know when we need to stop. I've not bought a games console for years now as if its not there I'm not too fussed, hopefully with enough blocks in place, this will be the same for gambling!
Keep up the good work
James
Thanks for your post James!
I'm now on 22 days gambling free. I need to tell me brother that I had a relapse at some point but I need to make sure I find the right moment. Pay day is this Friday - I have cancelled my debit card and will be transferring spare cash to my partner, so that I can't access money without him knowing. He's been so supportive and I really want to make this work this time!
Day 27 passed without any gambling! I also have had my first pay day since starting this diary and am keeping track of all my spending carefully, having cancelled and cut up my debit card. I've already treated myself to swimming, a meal out plus some gifts for friends! Feeling positive!
38 days now without gambling! I told my brother last week that I had been having a few problems again with gambling and he has agreed to help me manage my finances. I am now sticking to a weekly allowance of money which I keep all my receipts for and log it in a spreadsheet, which is helping me be transparent about my spending habits. Had really good news at work too - so things are going well!
Hope others are having positive experiences too!
good luck people!
45 days gambling free.
46 days gambling free.
I don't post as often as I want but everything is going well so far; all the strategies I have put in place seem to be working. Still have some money in the bank despite being paid 3 weeks ago. Got 3 more days of work then 7 weeks off over the summer. Will need to ensure I don't slip up as holiday time used to be spent in arcades...but I am more determined this time.
55 days without gambling!!!
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