Chatting confusion

So you feel people cant talk about how they feel christmas..hobbies..how there day has been ?

Yes the focus is gambling but part of peoples recovey is talking going on chatroom helps some peoples urges 

The chatroom is for everyone and the moderators do a fab job. If you want to ask more gambling related questions or topics that is absolutly fine.

Shame you wasnt on this lunchtime we helped someone new giving gambling free advice and also celebrated gambling acheivements.

I said other issues as in medical conditions not related to gambling. You didn't read it properly. 

I did read it  maybe i didnt realise you meant medical conditions when you said issues.

People often discuss when they have had an operation or tests. But some people are off work or their conditions make affect their daily lifes which could impact more on the gambling issues.

Lunchtime chatroom was a healthy mixture and supportive for everyone  

Often peoples other issues or diagnosis can be triggers that are linked with gambling so its hard to seperate them. If someone had an accident and was off for work a long time that could affect their urge to gamble 

Gambling support is always provided and if it wasnt im sure the moderator would step in ..if you feel you need further support with gambling recovery just say chezzy there will always be people to help.

Hi all.  This evening's Chatroom will be focused on recovery- you are welcome to share help, advice and experiences within this confidential and supportive environment which so many of our users benefit from.  Hope to see you there.

Hi chezzy, yes we've been sent an email by gamcare regarding this....I feel its a pick and mix conversation as we all need advice sometimes but as we are on everyday and there's not always a new person on chat the conversation turns to different subjects.... If gamcare wants solely gambling conversation then fair enough but I wouldn't want to be part of it....all the best Adam xxx

We've been told that convoy sometimes gets a bit dark and away from gambling subject but in my opinion that's just due to the type of people that gambling companies market towards (the vulnerable people with many of their owns problems).  Sometimes I feel it gets a bit dark too but we all have the option to be on the chat or to take a break.... If we couldn't talk about a forum member's progress health wise then it wouldn't be supporting their needs and helping as an add on to their gamble free journey I guess? All the best Adam xxx

Yes I can see where your coming from Adam. Fair point. 

Im happy for it to just be gambling recovery focused but that applies to everyone no food drink chat or general chit chat then.

But I get ur point chezzy!!! Conversations some nights aren't very good other times they are very very productive and help all involved.

Yes adam like todays at lunch that was productive and helpful and i agree other issues affect urgesand discussing them has helped me remain gamble free ..

Chatroom moderator if the rules have changed for tonght plese can you update on forum so everyone is aware thankyou 

Hi,

I'm as guilty as anyone else as I've talked abut medical issues in the past but as Adam rightly points out we've been emailed recently about keeping the emphasis on gambling issues. There have been occasions when someone new has come on the chat and people have tried hard to offer support.

However there have been other occasions where someone new has came & I think saw people talking about issues not associated or related to gambling ( even me telling a joke ) & suddenly left never to come back. I must therefor conclude that perhaps Chezzy has a valid point. There has been previous occasions when this has happened & I've upon reflection regretted not trying harder to welcome the new guest.

Thanks for your post Chezzy which I welcome in the spirit of shared responsibility, in order to make the chatroom as accessible and user friendly as possible for new comers seeking support for gambling addiction. It's certainly given me food for thought and I am willing to put into practice what you're suggesting.

Best Wishes

Al

Hello all,

May i chip in?

Gambling addiction is a symptom to underlying issues so its important to dig deep in those feelings/triggers. Some struggles emotionally, some for medical reasons, some family, PTSD and life in general. I dont see it wrong discussing all those issues. I also don't see it being wrong having a banter on chat...sometimes its just what one needs and if all chip in, the day is a success for all huh..

If person has questions or a newbie joins in, as Stacie said, we all jump in to assist with advice regarding blocks and so on.

Recovery is adjusting to new way of living/thinking...of course it will include hobbies, lifestyle and new thoughts..in my opinion - embrace the variety of subjects you discuss..gambling has never started with and urge only. 

Its all about balance and meeting everyone's needs, i know its difficult to adjust for everyone but that's why we have chat mod there to steer us to the right direction when chat starts going the wrong way.

None of us are perfect and we all are different. Individual struggles..i dont see why we cannot discuss and support each other regarding them in chat?

S&B xx