Thank you for all your replies on my initial post. I have put the k9 block on my computer, i have told my daughter i need help. She said to ask my bank for a new card and she will take over my bank account and pay my bills ect and just tranfer me what i need into my savings account so i can't get money to go to town and play the machines. She also said well done Mum for trying to sort this out which made me cry. Today is day one of not gambling. I know its not going to be easy but i am going to try my hardest. I wont go to town i will ask my daughter to go for me if i need anything. I am going to see if i can get an appointment to see someone face to face but till then i am going to speak to somone online on the net line thing on here.
Its early days but i am going to try and kick this d**n habit that makes me so unhappy.
Well done...having your daughters support will help. I'm only on Day 9 but actually feel a sense of relief that I have made the decision not to fill the slot machines...not going at all feels easier than having the option to go and trying not to lose too much. I have used netline a couple of times this week, and the chat forum....really helps knowing there is support out there. You have made the decision, you HAVE QUIT the habit, you have broken the money side of the triangle, and location if you avoid town....now to keep that resolve forever.
Day 3 of no gambling. Well yesterday would have been the day i went to town and blew all my money. I spent the day turning out cupboards and deep cleaning the house withthe help of my Daughter. We also put up the christmas tree and decorations. I got a bit angry at lunchtime cos i really wanted to go and play the slots but i gave myself a good talking to and the anger passed. The 300 punds i would have wasted is still in the bank. :0)
Well done for facing up to your problem, it sounds like you have amazing support from your daughter. I bet you're glad you put the k9 block on, I should have done that ages ago and regrettably started gambling again after a few months. It's all about keeping yourself busy and filling the void, it's hard at first, I've been there a few times but it gets easier and you will get back to your normal self in no time and be happier for it, just keeping making sure you haven't got the time to gamble or the money to do it with and you should be ok, keep at it, you're not on your own. I'm 18 days gamble free now and still going strong, looking forward to Xmas with my partner and kids.
Good luck.
well day four for me, i am happy that i havent gambled since tuesday but sad that i can no longer gamble if that makes sense ? is this feeling normal ? will it go away and will i one day not feel sad that i cant play the slots. It was such a big part of my life that it now feels as though there is an empty space where gambling used to be. I have missed talking to the regulars in the arcades and the friendly staff. I dont have many friends and the couple i have got i only see now and then so i am feeling isolated and alone. does anyone else feel like this.
Hi caitesnan, it is exactly what many of us feel like...Hell, I never wanted to stop, I just wanted to stop losing. It terrified me to start with because I thought I loved gambling...Looking back, it seems I preferred the company of a machine to a human 🙁 Now, I'm relieved.
Dont kid yourself that the regulars in the arcades are your friends! The kind words & attention are from people who watch you losing & then jump in your seat the second you leave it in the hope that they get lucky. The staff have a job to do & yep, whilst some of them are particularly lovely (I still say hello to one of my 'ladies'), like gambling, they are false company. Have a look @ social groups in your area: book clubs & coffee mornings maybe, think about doing stuff to occupy your mind so that addiction does not rage rampant through it pretending it was good for you. Never forget why you are here, it destroys lives & as hard as it will feel to let it go, it is vital that you do! You are incredibly lucky to have a daughter who is able & prepared to spend time with you, my mum has hurt me so many times over the years that I'm not strong enough to do that yet. Treasure your moments together & make sure she knows there is suppprt here for her too if she needs it. If you want face to face contact, GA is your best bet...It may sound daunting but put any prejudices you may have on the subject to one side & walk through the doors, I bet it surprises you how welcoming people are. You sound very sociable but if you are nervous about going alone, maybe have a look for when there is an 'open meeting' so that the 1st time you go, someone could go with you?
Stopping isn't an easy fix, we have to push & push ourselves to be strong & face our sadness & our loneliness head on, make new friends, a new life for ourselves, a better life for us & our families. You can stop it stealing any more from you - ODAAT
Hi Caitesnan, I know what you mean. But I also think what sad figures we must have made, sitting in front of a machine for hours on end, with no meaningful social contact. I knew tonight could be a difficult night for me, so to avoid the temptation I have booked a ticket for a social function. It will not be easy to walk in alone....but I managed it at the casino....but I know that once through the door, there will be folks there who will be pleased to see me; people I can have meaningful contact with. There is also a women's group I have been on the contact list for for 11 months, haven't attended one of their functions yet, but I think in 2017 I am going to become an active participator. Won't be easy to start with, but relationships with real people have to be better than escaping into that lonely world of spinning reels. Come on Caitesnan, let's get out there. We can do this.
Sorry duplicate post.
Day 5 under your belt - fantastic! WCAWW!
Thank you for all your kind comments, I had a lovely day out in York yesterday with some family and was able to buy some christmas presents with the money i would have put in the machines. It was a really good feeling. Before i would have made an excuse as to why i didnt buy a present eg "my money didnt go in the bank or i lost my purse " . I am going to find out where my local ga meeting is and attend in the new year. I am disabled but if i can get to the arcade i can get to the meeting. I am quite scared about going but if i am going to keep on being GF i need all the help i can get as even though i am not gambling at the moment i know it wouldnt take much for me to slip. Glad i found this site and the helpful comments and suggestions that you all give each other and myself.
Brilliant Caitesnan, York is so lovely at Christmastime too.
Brilliant Caitesnan, York is so lovely at Christmastime too.
Hi Caitesnan
Feeling apprehensive about walking into GA is very common but I can't think of one poster here who has regretted it. You may need to be prepared for it being mostly men but don't let that put you off. Everyone is there for the same reason and you will find the RL support and understanding from people who have been exactly where you are and 'get it' in a way that nobody else can invaluable.
All the best
Hi Caitsnan, hope all's well 🙂 would you be able to confirm you're GF? If not let us know and we'll support you 🙂 take care, Mixer
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