Can't stop

Abstinence is the way it has to be for us compulsive gsmblers. Build up those days and get used to life without gambling. It's the only way to long term happiness.

Don't beat yourself up James! You know where you're going wrong and you know how to put it right! You'll get there - you're more than half-way now! Keep busy. Don't drink. Get to bed early. I'm good at giving advice - just not too good at acting on it!!! Been gamble free for over a week and it feels good even if got no money - still better than that awful "post gambling blues" it's horrendous! Take care. Be strong. Keep going. Keep posting. Helen. X

Day 1

Thanks for the posts Miles End and Helen123 for your very kind posts!

I totally agree Miles End, Abstinence is the only way, it has to be all or nothing. I received an email from a gambling company that i've recently used offering 20 free spins. Didn't need that to tempt me today when the urges are so strong!

Helen, thanks for your kind post, much needed yesterday and I took your advice and it definitely helped!

I won't gamble today, got to stay strong,

Thanks for reading,

James

Hey James.... here I am again .... Aren't I a pain in the thingy??!! We're ALL in the same boat.... flipping slots did for me I tell ya! The worst part now is the debt it's left me with.... even worse when I think of the thousands and thousands I have squandered! The thing is tho.... all that is in the past. It's gone and nothing I can do about it. Am looking to the future.... You will.... let's do this TOGETHER! keep posting!!! Helen. X

Day 2

Thanks again Helen, the debt is most definitely the most things gambling leaves behind. In a positive way I suppose it provides fuel for the fire to abstain from gambling.

Gambling changes me in to a nasty grumpy lazy liar and I hate it for that. That is not who I am, time to change!

To fill the void gambling has left I am going to join the gym on pay day which is a few weeks away, find more time to go on my bike, more overtime shifts (already got two coming up meaning I'm not having many days off) and going to concentrate on spending more time with family and friends who ultimately get neglected when gambling.

Thanks for reading,

James

Day 3,

Not a great deal to report today, just received another couple of emails with gambling promotions but not as tempted as i have been and deleted them straight away. When I have time I will be going through them and asking to be taken off the mailing list.

Working today so I won't gamble, a tough three days but feel a lot better for getting through them. Onwards and upwards.

James

Hi James

Well done for getting through the past three days - I know how tough it is. Every day seems like a decade to me at the moment and I'm new to this (the forum, not gambling), so I can't offer much in the way of wisdom but I think trying to focus on other things, hobbies, interests, family has to be a part of the way forward. I actually managed to watch a DVD this afternoon and focus on that rather than the gambling, which was for me a massive achievement. Struggling again now, night times always worst for me.

I wish you every success in your ongoing recovery. I'm sure you'll get there. Take care.

Alli

Day 5

Thanks for the kind post Alli, it does seem to go quite slow at the start doesn't it! I have a film recorded that I will watch tonight and will be nice to chill out instead of stressing over how much i will inevitably lose!

Not had much chance to gamble recently as i've been working but I have a day off today so have to be on my guard.

Going to live life today instead of waste it,

Thanks for reading

James

Hi James

Well done on 5 days

Enjoy your gamble free day off

Best wishes

Suzanne x

You're doing really well James....keep going! I still get all those emails offering me bonus spins etc...DELETE. Keep busy and all of us KEEP SAFE! Helen. X

Day 1

Had a terrible night last night. I was discussing my recovery in depth with someone and my plans to get through it. All this seemed to do was plant a seed in my head to go and gamble.

So 120 gambled up to 500 and lost it all. The old saying "I CANNOT WIN BECAUSE I CANNOT STOP" springs to mind. So disappointed in myself, really need to get a grip of this before it ruins my life any more.

So tired today as i've only slept 4-5 hours and back in work, absolutely rubbish working for nothing.

Tired of not sleeping, lying to family members, wasting hard earned money and missing opportunities to live life and staring at a pointless outcome.

Keep strong people, this is a horrible illness that we must fight to the death!

Hopefully a happier post tomorrow!

James

Hi James, cant wait to see your happier post, so you had a slip, I dont kid myself I wont but try not to beat yourself too hard. Stay strong, hope your feeling more positive again x

Day 2

Thanks a lot for the post Stupid, needed that as i had a bad day yesterday.

Feeling more positive today but worrying about how tough this week is going to be, I've installed k9 web protection which should help until i can afford gamblock.

Just need to stay on my guard and take every precaution possible to get through the toughest part at the start of recovery,

Thanks for reading,

Jimbo

Hi again! i found the first few days the hardest, the time when the urges were the strongest but Ive decided that it just isnt worth it anymore, what started out as a bit of fun soon found me up early, sometimes sneaking down in the middle of the night to play, playing whilst my OH was and work then rushing round before he got in to get jobs done round the house so it looked like Id done something that day. Since stopping Ive filled my time with keeping on top of all those niggly jobs , the garden etc and to be honest it is helping , I have a sense of achievement rather than a feeling of self loathing. I hope you have a better day today and in the days to come. Stay strong x