Doldrums of Gambling

It is absolutely possible to stop gambling. When I truly decided that it was the right time I went from someone who gambled all day and night, 7 days a week to stopping. That was Sept 10th 2011. From that date I have not gambled a single penny, not even a raffle ticket. I stopped because it was my time to stop, motivation, opportunity,  mental health. My stars were in alignment at that time. It's not easy, and sometimes I do need support, hence that's why I am here, but it is not an impossible task. Think about how many conscious decisions you need to make when placing a bet. 1, decide on how and where you will gamble  2, log on or go to venue, 3, make your choice, 4, find the money to play, 5, fill in the slip or get your money ready, 6, pay. If you avoid one of these decisions you will avoid having a bet. Sounds simple but you can definitely do it.

For me, gambling is no longer fun nor an escape but instead makes me sick, unwell and depressed so its the right time to put my all into stopping. I wouldnt have been able to stop 5 years ago. Things were different but now I feel like stopping wouldn't be impossible because i hate how much gambling has ruined my whole god d**n life and I am not going into 2023 to have another year of pain and stress. If I continue I will end up homeless alone and on medication for depression. Good luck I hope we can change it around.

I'm actually feeling the same as it still early days for me reading people storys it actually began to put hate towards gambling companies  some people are going through a very hard time and gambling has never made things right if it not financial ruins which is the most common thing its lost precious time, life isnt perfect and human need distraction ti fill that time normal people go gym and other things to avoid distraction yes gambling can take your mind off things no denying that out of the million things you could do its one of the worst 

I agree with all the above. Keeping that negative view of betting companies really does help. I have gambled every day for over 10 years and I agree it feels like the stars were in alignment for me to stop! I’d had enough of fear, desperation and lies. Im 3 months without betting and to be honest I don’t miss it! I don’t miss sitting for hours and hours wasting my life. I am still experimenting with finding what I enjoy and what will truly excite me but I know it can’t be gambling. Gambling made me so sick and mentally ill. I am slowly recovering and feeling like myself again. Good luck to everyone xxx

@alireza am only just under a month recovery after my recent relapse after over 2 years not gambling normally i would have a really bad relapse after chasing my losses even after winning would never be content however only blowing £750 out of £4500 saved i feel like i have done really well i have started to enjoy other stuff which hardly ever did since i started going bookies which ruined my life i just feel tvery positve and surprising i enjoy this new lifestyle

Thank you for the overwhelming support. What I am holding on to right now is the day I completely pay my debt off. I know it might not be soon but the progress I am making has got me feeling different. Gambling is not a good thing no matter how many wins one gets. I noticed this when I started lying to my family about my gambling problem, lost focus at work and eventually lost my job. Its not an easy victory I am working on because I know even if I fight the addiction, I have to be alert to avoid relapses. I am willing to stop this time around.

Its a new Year,its only been 5 days since i last gambled but they mean so much to me than the past 3 years.I am choosing to look at the positive side.I do not want the past to hold me back.I know i am doing much better than i was yesterday and that is the progress that i need.I do not only want to rush my recovery,i want to understand myself better and avoid situations which trigger my relapses.Gambling is a problem which is solvable.Dont let it scare you. Happy New Year.

9 days down the road and I feel the energy coming back.The problem with gambling is it takes away everything that one believes in.The confidence,the happiness and sometimes the intelligence one posesses.I remember there are times when i knew i would lose money before i started gambling.It would scare me to the point that i felt people living around me were extra ordinary human beings.I dont know if this makes sense but Gambling is a giant that blocks every avenue in one's life.I am working on a daily basis to achieve my goal.To be free again.

@jayrinashe they might not be gambling some of these people are weak in other ways who cant deal with life their far too many negative people in the world and this was one of my triggers i kept myself to myself and am improving if u can deal with life you can deal with any addiction in the world you have to be true yourself nothing is impossible?

@tazman that is so true!!!!

It's sixteen days and my mind is sober and clear.I recently got to find out two people who are close to me have started gambling.Knowing what I went through has me feeling like I'm responsible for their addiction. One of them use to encourage me but it has turned out to be affecting them as well.Its a serious issue that you can only realize when you are in the situation.I am not going to stop fighting this addiction,to encourage others and inspire others with my story.

Its almost a month without me gambling.To be honest i am discovering how much i gave in to gambling.If i knew how much i was lying to myself i wouldnt have started this whole thing.Its like my eyes have been opened and the more i discover new things about myself the more i have power over this addiction.I keep on coming across people who are going through the same.Gambling can simply replace and take over your life without you realising it.I am determined to fight and help myself as well as others going through the same.

@tazman so true

I have clocked 1 month without gambling. I am so happy and willing to continue on this path.