day 85

Hey Man

The most important thing is to take it one day at a time keep telling yourself you are going to make it through 'today' before you know its 4, 5, 6 days and then you reach a few weeks (I am on 11 days myself) there is the other option of setting a savings goal for a product you want although I'd recommend the day at the time at first as savings can lead to temptation.

If you have Netflix I recommend you watch Louis Theroux and gambling in Las Vegas it will make you see what you look like when you gamble and hopefully will help keep you straight.

but most importantly good luck you'll get through this

Thank you,I know I've got a problem and I always have had,my biggest problem is the fact that I'm a builder and I get paid in cash quite a lot,that's how I've been able to hide it from my family as they have no idea what I earn,as long as I keep paying the mortgage and tipping up the housekeeping money everything is fine,except it's not, cause I have this secret life that's making me I'll.

Its always so tempting when you have cash to think 'oh I'll only play X amount' before you lose Z amount whuch is so much higher.

Another technique I use is I have a note in my wallet that says 'Remember the house ALWAYS wins, think about it' so when I look at my money I see that note.

Living the secret life is the worst but I have never came clean to mine about my losses so I will not tell you to I am a student living with my parents so it was easier to hide it. I have been so happy since I stopped I just try to fill my time with other stuff reading, finding a new tv series to watch, getting coffee or a bite with my friends gambling takes hold because of boredom its just about filling that. Just think of things you could treat yourself and others to if you had that extra cash instead of giving it to the bookies

Morning everyone,it's day one of my recovery,I'm feeling pretty low to be honest,I thought I would be enthused and positive this morning after finally admitting my problems yesterday,all I have is a sense of self loathing and already I have the daily tug of war in my head between the hard working loving father and the selfish lowlife who decieves his loved ones on a daily basis.I have finished work for Christmas and have 600 pounds sat in my safe,for those thinking that things can't be too bad if i have 600 pounds lying around,I will add that less than two months ago that safe contained around 8000.I'm trying to think of something to do to keep me occupied but I don't have any enthusiasm for anything,I feel like curling up in a ball and sleeping until these urges go away.sorry for being so negative,but I need t poo be honest with my diary.Good luck everyone!

Just noticed that auto correct has stated that I need to poo,cheered me up a bit actually!

lol, gave me a laugh. if you need to poo, go for it.

Anyway, thanks for commenting on my diary. I think the next few days will be hardest. Im in a similar situation where i lost money i couldnt afford to lose again last night. The thoughts always come, a little bit wont hurt.. i can win my money back etc.. But as others say, we will only end up losing any winnings anyway.

As we are both on day one i think we should try and nail this Gambling s**t on the head. The hardest part for me is knowing the money lost will not be made back in any easy way.. its going to require a lot of hard work.

Good luck anyway mate..

Thanks pal,feeling a little better now,having read a lot of the stories on here it really does help knowing that almost everyone on here has exactly the same feelings.It makes me so angry that nothing is going to stop the lives being ruined by these machines and online sites.I suppose they would argue that millions use them and don't have gambling problems,much like alcohol,many people use it and don't have a problem but for some it's ruining their lives.Anyway,half a day gone,onwards and upwards!

I'm not convinced anyone that bets on slots doens't have a problem! It defies logic to give money to see what image a computer generates 'at random'

I'm also not convinced that the millions of social gamblers is where the bookies/casinos make their profits, which is what they claim. 1 problem gambler can stake 1000 times what a regular punter can and I don't think problem gamblers are 1 in 1000. More like 1 / 10 if they admitted their problems.

I agree entirely,but I'd say more like 1 in 1,I don't know one person who plays the fobts that isn't addicted

Pipebomb1089 wrote: .

Another technique I use is I have a note in my wallet that says 'Remember the house ALWAYS wins, think about it' so when I look at my money I see that note.

hi people, new here been a silent observer, trying to pick up usefull hints to stop gambling. Just wanted to say this is something i have been doing lately, A paper note saying gambiling is for loser £000 etc, still didnt stop me today tho.... but good luck OP and everyone with your recovery, try and enjoy ur xmas!

Morning everyone,day 2,feeling a bit more upbeat today,yesterday was hard,today I am going for a few pints with my Dad who's over from France for Christmas,so I'm hoping that will take my mind off gambling,must sit with back to fruity though,and I'm hoping no one is playing it whilst we're watching footy! Good luck everyone!

Just do a day at a time and they won't be long building up. Trying to steer of thinking too far ahead or what you have left behind. Live in the now and your recovery will be a good one.

Morning everyone,thanks for comments guys,I had a great day yesterday with my Dad and my uncle,few pints and watched the footy then a few games of darts,totally took my mind off the gambling,I even discussed my brothers football bets with him and it didn't bother me too much,although my major problem is the fobts,I still used to enjoy the footy bets,but I know that I must give up all forms to have any chance,my youngest asked me if I could play monopoly with her later and I had to decline as I think that Chasing the money might set me off,how sad is that!anyway I've promised her Wed play balderdash instead so she's happy enough.Good luck everyone,stay strong!

Morning everyone,hope all are doing well,today will be a real test for me as I am going into town alone to do some Christmas shopping,I will have the money,the time,and the opportunity to go gambling,I have decided to put a photo of my girls in my wallet so when I get tempted they will spur me on,good luck everyone!