A Gambler's Blog

Thanks for your messages all.

Today is day 14 and still going strong. In the main its been ok although this weekend has proven to be tough. Lots of thoughts of gambling but Ive remained honest to myself - i cant control it and never will.

The biggest thing Ive noticed is the free time I now have to spend with family and friends. Its amazing how much time, effort and money you invest in this disease.

Long may that continue.

Dean

Day 21 and still gamble free....that feels good to say!

I've slowly opened up to people and my family and friends know the course that I've taken. It's quite odd not spending all of my weekends gambling. I've got a lot more time on my hands to spend with my family and really enjoying my time at the moment, I cant believe its taken me this long to finally see sense.

As for not gambling it hasnt been as difficult as I expected. The catalyst has been acknowledging that I can't gamble less, browse odds out of curiousity, self-exclude or set deposit limits - I have to stop completely as I cannot control my habit. To anybody who is considering quitting gambling I cant stress how important this has been. Once or twice it has gone through my mind when watching a game to check the odds but I know where that road leads.

My next milestone is 1 month gambling free which will be here on 24th May. I may just treat myself with some of my spare cash 🙂

Stay strong all

Dean

Hi Dean, not said my personal welcome to you. Self realisation is a different journey for many but sounds like you're making some progress. You know what they say though that recovery works best when your honest and that sometimes may produce a bit of pain. Just know your not alone in this journey. There is so much support around. I'll keep an eye on your diary from now. Keep it up. Tri

Hey again & great going on your 1st 3 weeks 🙂

Soz I didn't pop straight back but I'm here now & wow, yes, leaving the keys in the lava & accepting the horrible realisation that I had been fooling myself for all those years into thinking I could regain some control were my turning points too! I think in GA world that's call accepting that gambling has us beat!

So whilst I'm on that subject, have you considered it (GA)? Thought about some counselling to try & figure out why gambling became such a big part of your life? Is wifey one of the people you have opened up to?

i could kick myself too for the amount of time it took me to accept that I wasn't gonna make my millions from a FOBT no matter how much I threw @ it & yup, recovery is great. Just keep making the right choices & stay on your guard should the journey become a little more rocky coz if you're anything like me, Mr Gamble will be back trying to persuade you you are cured & can go back to the odd bet! He's a liar.

A treat sounds great for your 1st month, look forward to hearing what it is...I'm gonna hazard a guess that you're not gonna be going for the nail pampering that us girlies favour 😉

Keep up the good work - ODAAT

Hi all,

Thanks for the messages guys. In response to your question ODAAT, GA is something Ive considered but not taken up at the moment. Any slip ups and thats certainly my next step though.

Probably worth mentioning that yesterday was my one month anniversary of gamble free life :)......And it feels great! The money I've saved and time I've gained is incredible. I'm a much happier man and better parent for my decision and extremely confident that I'll be successful long-term. I had many a person tell me I won't be able to change but slowly people are starting to see how committed I am. I even had a friend ask me to tell him my secret! I told him just how much this forum has helped so I may be responsible for a new member soon :).

I wont get ahead of myself though, I understand that 31 days is not very long in the bigger scheme of things. I'll take each day as it comes and beat this addiction 1 day at a time.

Thanks for your continued support and stay strong.

Dean

Quick check in from me. Today is day 40 and pleased to say Im still going strong. Whats even better is that Ive taken a week off work (great timing with the weather too!) and no slip ups. I can't remember the last time I went this long without gambling, must be a decade!

Euros are approaching fast which will be a tough test but Im confident I can repel any pull. My mindset is that even if my pre tournament picks win ive already saved enough to compensate for any winnings.

Next milestone is 50 days which I'll be hugely proud of....10 days and counting!

For anybody who feels they cant possibly give up, have faith and stay strong. It can be done if you put your mind to it.

Dean

brilliant read dean, just read your diary and it sounds very familiar to my story.
Stay strong and keep focussed mate. 1 day at a time!
Take care
Ben

ben7006151872 wrote:

brilliant read dean, just read your diary and it sounds very familiar to my story.
Stay strong and keep focussed mate. 1 day at a time!
Take care
Ben

Thanks Ben, glad you've enjoyed and hope it helps in some way.

Big milestone achieved today.....50 days free from gambling! If you had told me 2 months ago that I would go 50 days without gambling I wouldnt of believed you in a million years. Goes to show what you can do when you put your mind to it.

As for the gambling itself the Euros has probably proven to be my hardest obstacle yet. It's quite a simple thought process that I'm going through though to prevent me relapsing: Do i miss gambling? The honest answer is yes I do. Is my life better without it? Most definitely. As long as I focus on the latter I know I can reach my next milestone which is 100 days.

Thanks to everybody here who has supported me and good luck with your own personal struggles.

Dean

Happy Hawaii day.

I to miss aspects of gambling but like you say life is better without it. I could not go back to it it's was hard bloody work.

Keep ficused now it often a proves a tricky time a couple of months in especially with the Euro's going on keep the guard up and enjoy it for the spectacle it is.

KTF