Hi guys,
I have been a member on here for a few years but yesterday was the first day I posted. I posted in the new members intro section.
Today is the 1st day of my diary, and the 1st day with no gambling for me. I am so determined to shake this thing after 15 years. I am sick of letting the people I love the most down. So, here goes.
Day 1: No urges to gamble at all. Determined.
Welcome Ritchaldo
To cover the basics, what have you done so far as putting barriers in place to make gambling harder? Counselling, GA, handing over money, self exclusion etc. Welcome again Tri
Hi Triangle,
i have so many self-exclusions in place online and software installed, but in reality I know the only way to fix it is in my head. If I really wanted to, i could just walk in to a bookmakers or find a new one online. I am going to join the chat room tonight for the first time.
Time is the healer I believe, and this is day 1.
Thanks,
R
Hi ritchaldo, self exclusion is a brilliant step forward. For me personally it wasn't enough, because like you say.....you can walk to a bookmakers or find another online site. There are options available,.....blocking software, GA, handing finances/debit/credit cards over to someone you trust....do not be afraid to use them if you need them.
Time does help heal but sometimes it needs a little more 🙂
Day 2: No urges. Still extremely determined. Thinking instead about debt and how I can perhaps get it into one payment using PayPlan. Getting things in order.
Day 3: No urges to gamble at all. Played football after work, hence keeping myself busy. Feeling positive.
Day 4: No urges. Feeling positive about that, but also feeling down about how much damage that gambling has caused to my closest and me over the years.Tomorrow is a new day.
Day 5: No urges, hectic day at work, not 1 minute to myself.
Day 6: 1 tiny urge when I walked past a gaming centre. i quickly thought about slot machines then instantly said to myself to wise up. I walked on.
Day 7: 1 week now complete. Feeling good about that. Busy day today to keep my mind positively active.
Day 8: No urges, and very determined.
Day 9: My birthday. Felt a bit down. No urges however.
Day 10: No urges. Still feel down.
Welcome to double digits bud 10 days is good start.
With the debt calling someone like step change can really help. Speak to them they will give you options and you can go with them if you upto you.
Are you doing this alone or have you the support of your loved ones. Counselling and GA are other good ideas to look into.
KTF
Belated happy birthday.
Doing good ritchaldo. It isn't easy, stick at it and keep yourself busy. You will feel better when you have your girlfriend with you; maybe try to concentrate on going the extra mile to make the home extra special for her imminent arrival.
Thanks for the comments guys. Really appreciated. It is nice to see that people care 🙂
I haven't been on the past few days to update, as I have been extremely busy with work and sport. So it's keeping my mind really active 🙂
Anyway...
Day 12 - No urges. Determined.
Day 13 - No urges. Too busy.
Day 14 - Back in NI for the weekend. Absolutely no thoughts about it, and positive mood.
Day 15 - No urges. Determined.
Day 16 - No urges. Hectic day in work, late home. Early night.
Day 17 - No urges. Feeling good that it is over 2 weeks.
Day 18 - No urges. Finally updating this diary. Will try to do it each day. So far so good. Sorting things out. Feeling more organised. Connecting with people more. Smiling.
Day 19 - No urges. Sorting out a payplan for debt.
Day 20 - No urges. Slowly things are becoming more stable. Trying to think positively. Had a very busy week last week, and I intend to have another one this week.
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
