Day 1

A huge well done, this is definitely the hardest thing to give up. That is mad that people were burned to a crisp sitting at machines. Best example ever of the compulsion that can grip the gambling addict.

Every single day gamble free is a big win. Take courage and inspiration from the inner strength you have shown so far

The first few days are hard but the most important in my opinion. This is when you are at your strongest. Write down all your hatred for gambling. All its hurt you. This is amazing to read back when things get tough later on. It gets easier, but your brain gets clever. It tries to trick you into thinking the odd gamble won’t hurt. That’s when you look back and realise, that’s not the answer. Soon the brain gets retrained and you will detest the thought. That’s what I’ve done and so far so good!

great job so far mate, keep it up.

Stay strong. 💪 

@p6z38njbqm thanx that’s a good idea I do hate gambling it destroyed me it’s honestly my biggest enemy it’s taken my money , my car , all my nice things , all my savings , all my paychecks for last 20 years . it’s the worst addiction anyone can have .

I read my diary from start to end at least once a week. It reminds me of what this has done to me. Highly recommend it! The first few weeks are alway gut wrenching for me and that’s a huge motivation 

@p6z38njbqm  good idea

Hi Peter

I made it through day 12, onto day 13 :). I hope you are doing well xx

day 4 today , my anger was out of control , broke my favourite sunglasses than felt about it , was feeling very irritated . Every day without gambling is a miracle I’m grateful I didn’t gamble today even tho I didn’t have a good day 

@aoxbg6d3ji  hi , as good as I can I guess considering I completely destroyed my life by my gambling lol yup I’m still clean , thx for checking . I miss my car I had a beautiful car brand new and I sold it to gamble I gambled the money in 1 week . I feel like such a loser sometimes I can’t take it and just want to disappear . 

Hi Peter

It sounds like you are having some quite overwhelming emotions at the moment, and I wonder if you are getting any support with them? I can thoroughly recommend the samaratins if you don't feel able to talk to anyone you know. When I feel angry I find some physical exercise can help, or if I'm feeling sad. The only thing you can change now is the future.

Stay strong, you're doing so well 

Hello peter

Thanks for sharing this.

There can be so much loss associated with gambling and I can hear the huge emotional and financial impact this is all having on you. It sounds like you hold a lot of shame and are trying to process everything.

You mention sometimes wanting to disappear and it sounds like it can become quite overwhelming. If you’d like to talk to us, our Helpline is available 24/7 on 0808 8020 133 or you can use the live chat service (also available 24 hours a day). You can find out more details about these here:  https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/talk-to-us-now/ . We can provide a space for you to talk about how you’re feeling and also provide you with advice on where to go for more support. Samaritans can also support you at any time if you’re experiencing emotional distress:  https://www.samaritans.org/  Tel: 116 123.

You’re doing so well to continue being gamble-free – it sounds like you have a lot of strength.

Hope you can keep posting about how you’re getting on.

Wishing you well,

Claire

Forum Admin