Day 50 - My Journey Thus Far

Hey ChefJake, this is so wonderful to read. I am a peer support worker, which means I have gone through my own journey with gambling, and I totally agree that reflection is so important in recovery. Even now, I've been gambling-free for multiple years, and I still use the power of reflection. You sound like you have done remarkably well reaching 50 days gambling free- I hope you are proud of your progress. Your story shows how much can change in 50 days- surrounded by a positive support network and also working on yourself to make these changes. Your story is definitely inspiring! Not only have you managed to be gamble-free for 50 days, but you seem to be working on those deeper parts from your past, which is always a tad uncomfortable initially, but it does get easier. The fact that you are committing to working through some difficult and traumatic things you have been through is another amazing step you've made. 

It's lovely that you wrote this, in the moment- rather than trying to retype or structure it. This captures how you feel authentically in the moment. 

You're doing great, and I am so pleased to hear you have found the support and connections you've made with others on here so helpful and beneficial in your recovery.

One day at a time, one moment at a time, as you say! It's been so lovely and inspiring to read your post, and I'd encourage you to continue sharing your journey on here. 

Take care, Brooke (Peer Support Worker)

Waffle away Jake mate. I'm so proud you have hit the 50 day milestone but even more than that , I am proud to call you my friend

I remember the first seven days and your posts, such a difference now and I can't wait to hear how you are in 100, 200, 300 and so on. The way you are present now and being an even better part of your family is utterly inspirational. Your work, I'm sure does not go unnoticed at home and you are an amazing husband and father to your children. I'm sure we both know that this is a life time commitment but I look forward to growing with you on this journey to a new life one day at a time

Just for today, I celebrate Jake's milestone, may you continue on the road of abstinence taking one day at a time

Stay strong my friend 

Massive Well Done to you Jake! This is such a positive story and, as a peer supporter, it is so rewarding to see the work that GamCare does to help others. 

I'm wishing you all the best in your journey.

Keep up the great work! Here's to the next 50 days ahead and so forth. 

Jade

@t2adn4vs7k thank you yeh this site has been of the upmost help to me and the resources it provides are at the forefront of my recovery, I plan to publish my full life story here when I've finished writing it but will need to make sure I can get it approved first because I worry it does contain some awful stories not many will be comfortable with and don't want to trigger any issues for anyone

@lp5vut869c yeh looking back to that first week is a brutal reflection of just what an awful disease addiction is, the way it eats you up and makes you feel and act is absolutely disgusting at times but I look back and take great pride in my journey, the ups and downs and the friends I've made along the way will be there forever and I hope one day down the line I can be some help to others in their recovery and pay it forward for a community that needs more support from the government

@pertwnj0u2 thank you jade, the peer supporters as well as active recovery addicts in this community should be incredibly proud of the support, advice and encouragement they offer and the help they provide I just hope one day I'm in a position to pay it forward and help others

Hi Jake

Apart from any hiccups that my temporarily halt my participation which you are aware of, I will always be here for you. You give me and everyone hope.

@lp5vut869c thinking of you today bud, and always here for you, you got this

Hi Jake, I read this and felt jealous.....as I also joined Gamcare when you started, but I have not been as successful (currently only on day 3 of GF). This post has inspired me to carry on, and more importantly, stay connected on here, as I think this is where I have fallen down. I also got a new demo version of Gamban which is uninstallable, this has really helped!

@jrd6wx15ae everyone's journey will be different and be proud for sticking to it even if you hit a few potholes, back behind the wheel with new tyre and dodge them 😊 connecting here as well as therapy to find the root of my addiction issues is what really helped me open my eyes, again obviously everyone is different but for me gambling wasn't my first addiction and they all stem from ADHD and childhood trauma so therapy to understand that and understand myself has really helped and I'm not ashamed of myself anymore I take pride in who I am and what I've been through

Thanks Jake

I've also had counselling from December (through Gamcare) and my last session is next week, I feel like I've not really properly faced up to it until this week. I closed down lines of accessing money so that's reaally hit home for me....if only i'd done that months ago! Take care and see you in the chatrooms no doubt.

Hi Misty

For me, it was never going to be quite as easy as just removing access or creating friction between myself and the next bet. It sounds like you have turned a corner and maybe if you reflect on your counselling and what you have learned it will help. 

Have you considered really opening up and putting your life story on here ? It's a safe place and I know that would sound difficult, for me it was so liberating and allowed me to get everything out. It took me 51 days to do it and four hours to write but I'm so pleased I did.

I know it's an old saying but what you put into something you then get out. Ive learned that to be oh so true with recovery and I continue to maintain that each day

Life is so much better now but everyday needs practice 

Hi Jake. Wow, how far you've come in those 50 days. Huge well done on your commitment to yourself during this time, and it sounds like it has been a real journey in terms of discovery and therapy around deeply rooted causes which have led into the addiction.

I'm so pleased to read that you've found a way and methods which are working for you, and that you have remained focussed to recovery. 

I enjoyed your authentic waffle, and also am grateful for you sharing an update to your journey and hope for all of us that we too can move forward. I will continue to follow your journey and hope to chat to you some more. 

I recently have been doing some reflecting - I think more consciously than usual, having started counselling specifically for the gambling addiction. But this has made me realise, that I also think that my behaviours (of which gambling is one) is somewhat linked to childhood trauma. If you feel able, would you be comfortable to share how you went about going into therapy and if it is focussed on the trauma? (I'm more looking for advice on the praticalities around this (e.g. route into it - GP, self referral etc. and how to ask for the right type of therapy) - as the counselling I'm having is specifically for the gambling - and I'm thinking about finally looking to work through some of that journey after my current round of counselling sessions have completed.

All the best - Fran

Hi Stuart, you are so inspiring, I'm not entirely sure that the blocks are enough for me either, but i'm trying to think positive and one day at a time. Staying active on this site as much as possible which I feel will help. This will sound silly but I probably won't put my story up as I fear it's too boring! Where can I read yours?