First steps

Hi

I am copying and pasting I wrote on someones diary earlier sorry a little lazy. Well done on finding this forum I am only recently out of rehab and I am giving you the benefit of my experience there. Try to tie gambling to all the negativity it has caused in your life. Write down what gambling has actually done to you in your life and then read it back to yourself. Then in a week or two repeat the same excercise and compare what you have written. Try always to focus on the damage gambling has caused to you and to your loved ones finally avoid situations which may cause you to gamble that is people, places and things and try to limit your access to money as if you have no money you cannot simply gamble. Don't be worried about the little voice in your head telling you to gamble just continually remind yourself why you are not gambling.

Best of Luck

Michael

Thanks for the kind words Michael. I have gone 6 days so far and feeling quite positive. Hope all goes well for you. Stay strong!

Just a quick rant! Every time I either log onto facebook, switch on tv or read a newspaper, everywhere you look there is something advertising gambling. It is really annoying!

Who ever reads this loves to gamble, but hates losing! Most of us are in debt and lose control, become fixated on gambling, give in to the urge from time to time, then feel completely stupid and depressed afterwards! 6 days I have managed so far. I am constantly thinking about gambling again but I am trying to replace those thoughts in the knowing that if don't gamble, I will be able to take my family on holiday next year and be able treat them.

I do think the government could do more to make gambling less appealing. I think Barbara Windsor wants to take a good look at herself as well!

Rant over!

I have now gone 10 days and i'm feeling pretty positive. I don't know if this will work for everyone, but I think you need to replace the gambling with another focus. I have just started running and downloaded the map my run app for my phone. This gives great motivation. I have also just had 2 new kittens, which are a great distraction! Anyone struggling I suggest try taking up a new hobby and just busy yourself as much as possible, so that you don't get time to think about it. Also the running gives you time to think about the time, money and misery gambling has caused! Hope this helps.

Hi Dickyo.... and thank you for your support.

Your spot on about finding another focus. Filling the gambling shaped void with other stuff is key. As far as the running goes I saved up (through not gambling I might add) and bought myself a Garmin (talk to the satellites) watch. I now know exactly how far ive gone and at what speed and in real time. Its a great motivator and then I upload it to the site and you get all these stats and graphs and compare and contrast with other runs ive done. Six months after stopping I also bought a mountain bike. I just love cycling.

Finally when bored I play scrabble and recently chess online. It all helps to fill voids in a healthy way and to get through urges to gamble. All the best in your journey. I will keep dropping in to see your progress, be it good, bad or indifferent. keep posting... regards... S.A 🙂

Hi Dickyo,

Well done on finding this site and taking the right steps to quitting!

You seem to be talking a lot more positively the more you post, long may this continue! Keep posting and try not to become complacent with it, it is a horrible addiction that strikes at any time.

Take care mate

Jimbo

Thanks Jimbo

11 days now and I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself. I am feeling more positive every day that goes by, but also angry with myself for not tackling the issue sooner. Got to look forward now though and see this as a fresh start.

Hope all is good with you? stay positive and stay strong! Who needs gambling? It doesn't bring you riches, it makes you skint and depressed and feeling worthless! Good luck!

Dickyo

Hi Dickyo,

Congratulations on getting to 11 days free from wasting money. I often think, if only i'd quit sooner, but I think you have to almost hit rock bottom before as an addict, you get the message and tackle the problem properly. That's how it was for me anyway. I couldn't just stop after losing £100 or so. Everything had to go. Sad when you think about it but that's compulsive gambling i suppose.

Keep strong anyway, you can do think. Hope you're seeing how great life is without gambling.

Jimbo

Thanks for the on going support Jimbo.

12 DAYS NOW!WHOOP WHOOP!

I didn't honestly think I would be able to do it, but have found keeping this diary and reading other peoples truly has helped me.

Still looking forward, not back!

Dickyo

Hi Dickyo

Well done on getting to 12 days. Also loving the fact your so positive about beating this addiction, this is something that will carry you through the tough times.

Keep going mate, keep on the road to happiness and success and stay clear of the road to despair, depression and financial misery.

Well done

Jimbo

13 days now! I am finding it easier, but thoughts of a small gamble are starting to creep back! I know this will only lead to more. Got to think about the positives and push the negative thoughts to the back of my mind.

Dickyo

Hi Dickyo,

You're doing really well, keep batting them urges off and you'll be fine. It's that devil on your shoulder trying to convince you that a small bet it fine and you can just walk away. Us compulsive gamblers are completely unable to do that. It;s good that you have identified this and keeping the thoughts at bay.

Keep it up mate,

Jimbo

Hi Dickyo,

well done on your progress so far. I am new to this site but it gives me so much hope reading about other peoples success at staying gamble free and as i am only 2 days in i will be hoping to reach the daily milestones you have already reached. I joined a local gym yesterday as like you i believe that occupying the mind with something else is a real key to abstaining. I usually play football but suffered an injury earlier i the year meaning this part of my life has been removed leading to more time to gamble. Good luck with the fight.

15 days now! Managed to avoid gambling by just keeping myself busy and concentrating my efforts on the family. I am enjoying life and having more fun with my family, now i am not constantly feeling guilty and thinking about the demon gambling!

Thanks for the support guys! I couldn't do it without you.