Boxing Day 1

Well done Clare!! I totally know what you mean about the weight loss! I am now motivated to get out and do things again instead of sitting behind a laptop eating rubbish! You are doing so well 🙂 and winning in every way!

Mel xx forever 4 days behind you xx

hey thanks mel. I am really happy you're still staying away from stupid slots and are now feeling renewed energy and motivation too. We are all winning every day we dont gamble 🙂

Day 40 today.

Been wanting to go to bingo lately and keep debating with myself over whether this would be ok.

My issue has only really been with slots and theres plenty of slots in the bingo.

Wonder what other people's views would be on this ? In the same way that playing a lottery is classed as gambling so is playing bingo and I view them in a similar category. Do other compulsive gamblers still play lottery and bingo in their recovery ?

For the time being i've done neither but would be interested to know the views of other people on here about this.

Clare x

For me Claire no gambling means no gambling. Be realistic with yourself how long do you think it would be before your back on the slots if you were in that enviroment. You may resist one or two maybe a dozen times but eventually you will play them. You will continue to keep the addiction alive by blurring your lines on what is & isnt safe for you. If you need to ask yourself is it ok it most certainly isnt. Why risk your life, your families wellbeing, your own sanity for a game of bingo or a lottery ticket. There is a thread by S.A on the lottery in the overcoming section. Check it out

Dan

Hi Claire,

I think you have answered your own question lol, you want to play bingo, your issue was with slots, and there are plenty of slots at bingo,( your own words lol.)

Suzanne xx

Hey thanks Dan and Suzanne for your support and thoughts on this.

I agree totally it would be very dangerous ground. I know I would resist the first time, second time and third time but as you say Dan I may resist a dozen times but ultimately there may come a time when I can't or don't resist temptation and I'd play the slots. I said I'd stay away from bingo when I quit gambling and the logical, rational me knows I must not ever go to the bingo. It's just my urges - me justifying a way to gamble. I know your advice Dan and Suzanne is sound. I will resist and I will be strong. I will not gamble and thank you again for your support.

Day 41 gamble free me x

Hi there,

Great decision been made my friend and guys are right, it's not worth teasing tiger on it's whisks. Best stay away all together.

Good to see you in such strong mindset, may it continue forever.

Look after yourself and stay safe..you are doing it!!!! Be proud

Sandra xx

Thanks Sandra. Like your analogy about teasing the whiskers of the tiger ! I wouldn't want to tickle those whiskers and absolutely will stay away from the wretched bingo. Who in their right mind enjoys dabbing numbers on a bit of paper or screen anyway!?? That's not exactly fun is it !?

Thanks for your support

Clare x

Ha Claire..

Just noticed i have put "whisks" instead of "whiskers"...ummmm...embarrassing lol..but that's my English 🙂

And you're right...bingo can only come into contest of - "Bingo!!!! I haven't gambled or spend single penny today!!"

Keep up the good work girl, and sorry about my little mistake lol

Take care

S xxx

Hi Claire,

Pleased to read you have not put temptation in the way, and with 42 days under your belt today, you are doing great.

Stay strong and keep winning

Suzanne xx

Thanks to you both for your continued support.

42 days has gone fast. Won't be long till I'm half a century ! Not looking back now I've come this far. Got to see the 2015 challenge through.

Great work on your 1st 6 weeks girlie...I loved it when I realised that not going back to number 1 was more important to me than gambling!

Keep identifying & chucking out those urges - ODAAT

Thanks.

Im still fighting the urges to go to bingo. Keep throwing letters from them straight in the bin. I wonder if you can self exclude ??

This might be the way forward for me.

Half-Life wrote:

Hi Clare

Yes, you can self exclude. If you feel you might be tempted while in there take someone with you. Opt for the maximum available and while you're at it tell them to take you off their marketing datbase.

Thanks half life.
Im a member at two bingo places so guess the best thing would be to exclude from both. I will then be able to put the urges to bed. I know deep down if I dont self exclude, one way or another ill end up at bingo sooner or later.

Day 44 - fighting gambling urges. I thought it would have been hard to begin with but I must say just recently the battle is harder for me.

I can only blame this on a very stressful week at work. I was in tears one day and I'm seriously thinking 'is this job for me?'

This work pressure has turned my life's music down and I recognise that's why I'm contemplating gambling again. I simply don't feel as strong or determined anymore.

Part of me is thinking I could go it alone and manage a gambling budget. I have a budget for everything else !

I know I'm not talking sense but it's how I feel .

Just need to hope I can get over it and continue my recovery. I know I can do it. I know I can't gamble in moderation so why do I now think I can ? !

I'll be strong. Want to see 50 days on my counter. Keep pushing these thoughts away. Need to talk to my friend about all this.