Easy does it!

No problem Jon

I just wanted Gamcare to look at its practice so see if there is anything that can be done. I honestly believe I am still in recovery due to listening to newcomers. Sounds terrible but listening to thier raw emotions makes me realise I cannot go back to the misery. I feel the chat room is most people's first port of call and sometimes it gets blocked up and people are overwhelmed and do not say anything. The GAmcare staff are very good at recognising this though and do try to bring newcomers into the conversation. It isn't meant as a moan just want people to look differently.

Definitely in a better place this week. I'm sure I was down due to lack of cash in my bank. I decided to pay off a CC and left myself a bit short. With this comes all the insecurities I have had over the years. Now got some cash behind me and enjoying it again. Last night once I finished work that old thought sprang to mind about having a little bet wouldn't hurt. It was a fleeting thought and even if I wanted to I am self excluded for miles around so safe as houses. If you are new here and serious about kicing this habit I suggest you make self exclusion your priority today NO EXCUSES.

Take care

Good morning Smiler,

Glad to see you are in a better place this week and still going strong.

I have thought a little more about your "ASK" and the more I think about it, the more I agree. However, the chatline, once you get 5 or more people on it..is a little unmanageable... people having different converations, and sometimes so quickly that a cry for help could easily disappear without notice.

There must be an answer somewhere to this.. but what I am not sure. Maybe well defined rules for those "experienced" members.

I guess unless more funding is available, the possibility of expanding options to fulfil the diverse needs of this sites members will not be realised. So whilst the options are limited it should.. the chatline that is... fulfil the primary objective of this site... so there you are... got there in the end... I agree.

:O)

All the best

Jon

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer, I just want to make Gamcare aware that newcomers might get overwhelmed by all the razzmatazz. We are slightly more recovered I guess and we know what to expect. Maybe an introduction or something for beginners! I really don't know but newcomers are important to me as I get that gut wrenching feeling when I hear their desperation. Not good for them but it is medicine for me!

Take care

Just catching up on your diary smiler. your doing great mate. An inspiration which is what the newcomers need. The more inspirational members on here the better. Hopefully at some not too distant point in the future i can be one of the inspirational members also.

Cheers

Craig

Hi,

Never been on chat, cause you need an abobe reader, do not have one on the iPad. Also I talk to much so I would be your worst nightmare lol

You sound in a better place this week, hoping you feel better about going on holiday now. Next weekend isant it.

Aways have a good day today, looks like it going to be a buet .

Dusty xxxxxx

Hiya Smiler,

Great to hear everything is going well 🙂 Thank you for your message on my diary, a valuble insight that when I applied to my own circumstances and thinking of late made me realise that if I were to gamble it would because deep down I would be trying to gain a degree of control......sooo crazy eh.

Hope your having a lovely Sunday...your doing so fab xoxo

Love Del x

Nothing to report! Not sure if that's good or bad. Not up nor down. Sun is shining but I'm indoors as feel tired. Isolating myself to some degree so might make the effort. All neighbours out enjoying themselves. I'm contented though.

Take care

PS Thanks Del nice to know someone is reading lol

Saw a mate of mine walking from my town to his so I offered him a lift. He asked to be dropped at the bookies. I told him I'm barred and so on. He then told me how much he loses regularly and asked how to self exclude. He admitted to me he had a problem and was thinking about excluding. Hopefully I've convinced him enough to get himself barred. Will hopefully see him next week and he would have barred himself. There are two bookies so hopefully do the both.

Take care

I notice towards the end of the month coming up to pay day there is an influx of new people posting on here. That is a fantastic sign and good to see. However the motivation needs to stay with you if you are new. It is a hard nut to ***, granted. But nothing easy is worth having. If you have found your way here then you have done the hard work of seeking help. It is now up to you to get yourself back to the person you know you should be. If you don't self exclude ask yourself 100% honestly, why not? Hang around here for a few weeks or months and give it a go. If after that it is not for you then go back to your gambling world. I'm sure it will wait forever for your return as it is awaiting mine. Take care

Hi Smiler,

Was just browsing your diary. I'm glad your approach is working, and it's good that you were open enough to encourage another to admit to a potential issue.

I did have a smile at the over-zealous filter the forum appears to use, having censored what was probably a very innocent word in the context next to nut.

Let's try this one then (LOL). Hard habit to break! There you go! That's better!

Take care

HI Smiler,

Thanks for your post on my diary, I have had 3 sessions of councilling already and im finding it really beneficial, ive learnt things about myself i didnt even know, i have another 3 sessions planned, im taking all the help i can get and so far so good.

I havent had a read of your diary but i will you look like you have been on here a while and see you post quite a lot, will take a nosey through.

Thanks once again

Blondie

Off to London tomorrow for Jubilee etc. For a CG it is like a child in a sweet shop. However I know I'll not gamble as there is too much to see and I'll enjoy my time instead of thinking what bookies can I dive into. I have mentioned before on my diary about being in far off places and seeing a bookies and thought about geting there for the entire holiday. This time round I have no interest in giving money away. Any one starting diaries today stick close by and stay determined.

Just realised something whilst reading someone's diary. They mentioned "They (bookies) always win". This is an interesting statement because as gamblers if we say that we are saying to ourselves that someone must win either us or them. Truth is we never win. So the reverse side of the coin is, did the bookies win. I say no because they could not lose. They just collected what was coming! So it takes away the point that they win as they don't if you get my drift!

Take care

Morning Smiler

Gald to see you have good positives thoughts of an enjoyable weekend without resorting to gambling 😉

Like you i too have had holidays where gambling dominated and completly spoilt it all

Lots to see in london this weekend so should keep you well on track!

Again enjoy your gamble free weekend, life is sooo much better without it!

Keep Strong

Lucy