My name is Stephen
This is my umpteenth diary but I feel that I am now ready to stop gambling permanentlyÂ
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A new nameÂ
A good mindset
A fresh approachÂ
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Stopped Alcohol ......... Sunday 28th October 1990Â
Stopped Smoking ....... Monday 25th June 2001Â Â
Stopped Gambling ..... Friday  13th September 2019 Â
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Signed ... Stephen The Redeemer
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Hi Stephen, like the new name, cometh the hour cometh Stephen ready to fight the plight he knows its right!!!!
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I am also in the same position of not having any other outlets for relaxation/relief of stress in societies usual way that is (well the mainstream way), so we don't drink, so e don't smoke, so we don't do drugs, and now we don't gamble either!!!! whats left I her you say? well infact what I've found is left is the healthy ways to relax the ways where you will feel most content whilst doing them and remarkably better the following day when you wake up fresh, hydrated and full of energy.Â
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Now it will seem strange at first but keep to the dancing, the swimming, the jacuzzis, the saunas, the shopping, the national trust places, the walking, the good eating, the good sleeping etc all the these things have helped me to become more content with life and I know its the same for you Stephen. Don't miss the gambling as like me ive smoked, drank, done drugs, gambled etc lot thru life we've already done it so lets not get bored by keeping on doing it lets move on to the next part of life, then the next lets not get bored lifes too precious for that, lots of love adam123 xxx
Thankyou Adam for the support and encouragement.
Your post was good reading and true in many ways. You point the way forward with humour, wisdom and understanding.
The good news is that I have no desire to gamble again and am looking forward to living a meaningful life.
Redeemer xÂ
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Hi Stephen and welcome to the forum.
I hope you will now start learning about the sheer power of this addiction because this is no game of willpower alone.
If everyone could click their fingers and stop there would be no need for this forum. You will need a total born again moment which involves telling people close to you and implementing strong blocks to cash and locations.
Ready for That? Think that is too much like being treated like a baby?
This addiction wont let you go easily. It is a drug addiction just like substances. The urges can come subconsciously out of the blue.
I wish you well. If you follow the tried and trusted advice you will make it history. If you think you are already a success you have a great deal to learn.
You will learn. Whats needed for a full recovery is far less substantial compared to the spiral downwards called gambling
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Thankyou for visiting my diary Joydivider. I see on your profile that it is over 3 years since you last gambled so congratulations on that. I was going to post on your diary but couldn't find it.
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I have been keeping a gamcare recovery diary for a few years now but keep relapsing and than starting again with a new diary and a different name. Some people might think its a bit pointless but I feel sure that a gamble free life is waiting for me - just around the next corner.
I rely on willpower to stop gambling and to be honest, I don't really have any other choice.
My downfall has been roulette on fobt machines in the betting shops.
Self excluded from over 40 betting shops but when in the past I decided to gamble, have travelled further afield or ventured into shops that I was excluded from.
I have a number of acquaintances but no close friends or family whom I can call upon to assist with my finances.Â
I get my state pension weekly and at the end of the month when my works pension goes in the bank I pay some extra rent and put money on a tesco gift card.
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In a nutshell, I am doing everything I possibly can to keep my head above water.
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Redeemer xÂ
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The Redeemer. I like the new name.Â
Love from DramaÂ
xoxoxo
Good luck on your gamble free journeyÂ
Thank you for posting on my diary DramaLlama & MissP. I replied on your diaries.
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Hello Diary.
All is well with me.
Later today I am going along to a care facility with a charitable group of performers who do a variety show for the residents. I went to one last Thursday and it was a lot of fun.
Redeemer xÂ
I had a great time at the care facility yesterday. The singers were brilliant and I was pleased that a few residents got up and joined me for some dancing (paying the price now though because my foot is hurting).
I made up a 'thankyou poem' which the organiser let me read out at the end and I was really pleased because people applauded and said it was good.Â
Redeemer xÂ
One Full Week Gamble Free.
Weekly state pension in bank yesterday morning. I paid the monthly debt repayment out of it and pleased to say I have had no urges to gamble with what's left.
Redeemer xÂ
did u get a loan Stephen?
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Hi Adam hope your ok and wishing you a good weekend.
No it wasn't a loan. My credit card balance became too much for me to repay so in March 2016 I contacted citizens advice and they helped me sort out a debt repayment plan. I have never missed a monthly payment since than and the debt is now more than halved, so I am pleased with that.
I know it's stupid but before than, I kept thinking I would have a good win and be able to pay off the credit card but surprise surprise, it never happened. The debt just getting bigger and bigger.
Anyway that us all water under the bridge now.
Redeemer xÂ
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Eight days gamble free and the best is yet to come
Sun shines down upon me and food is in my tum
No more the gambling fool who was big win dreamer
Running the show from here on in is Stephen The Redeemer
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Hello Diary.
All is well in my world and today I enjoyed a few games of Scrabble in a cafe with friends and than went for a walk by the river and marina.
Tomorrow will be day 10 of my wonderful adventure in a land called Gamblefree.
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On a noble quest to save my very soulÂ
Angels gathered round me shout "Let's All Rock n Roll"
And all the mees in history who ended up with nowt
Have joined me on this great crusade so let's all sing and shout
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Defiance is my middle name and I will not give in
Staying gamble free is the only way to win
11 days without a bet and nothing do I dread
For every day is over when I'm tucked up in my bed
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