Focus on the future, because in the future you haven't gambled

Cheers Davie. Well day 20 was eventful. Had my second big urge while at Wembley.

Once inside the ground getting a pint and joining in the fun and chanting with fellow derby fans saw the bookies and with plenty of money in my wallet for drinks and the evening ahead really wanted to put some money on derby to win so I could have extra drinking money for later. Said no at that point and watched a pretty dull first half then at half time saw odds had gone up but again said no and enjoyed the game knowing there was no money involved.

So gutted about the way the game ended but relived I didn't have that bet and despite defeat had a really good evening at Arctic Monkeys gig. After that we had more drinks in our hotel room and unlike before I didn't even think of lying in bed betting after everyone was asleep.

Such a good feeling today knowing I've got over my latest urge. Off to play footy now.

Morning of day 23, lots on at work today so that should keep my mind busy. Managed to spend yesterday planning my summer trip which is my main motivation and I can't wait to be in America after 100 days with spare money to enjoy myself, but also knowing I'm steadily getting closer to clearing debts and getting my life back.

Hi rst

Well done on day 23 and keeping strong it feels good doesn't it

Each day we abstain we are moving forwards and as you say getting our life back

I think of my life now as my new life and I never want to go back to the other life Which was not real

Best wishes Suzanne xx

Day 24, boy these urges are coming on thick and fast. Anything can set them off, like an invite to go out for a mates birthday this weekend even though its not payday til next week. Should have enough to cover it but I always want more just so I'm not counting every penny on a night out and looking tight.

Day 25 - thoughts of money on my mind all this afternoon. I think I've set too ambitious targets for savings limiting myself to x amount per week but certain unexpected events are leaving me wanting to cover the extra expenditure with gambling.

Hope these thoughts will die down once pay day comes around but then it's the frustration that I can't splash out like everyone else does on payday.

Anyway to end on a positive 1/4 of the way to my goal 🙂 and only 71 days until holiday.

Hi mate, congrats on how you've done so far. Couldn't believe Derby lost in that way!

Thanks May27th was so unlucky. I have read through your entry and want to say well done for coming on here, there are plenty of inspirational stories and also a really good community to support your journey.

26 days clean but having to take sacrifices. Lying in bed as I didn't want to go out for my friends birthday as I am trying to save every penny.

Had a good chat with a guy from work about gambling sites and how a lot are based in Gibraltar due to tax benefits. He used to work for them setting the odds and earning really good bonuses. I obviously didn't tell him about my problems but it made me wake up and think that I'd paid towards his fat bonus while I suffered and was earning nothing due to being in debt.

Not paying any more to these people. I have so much time tonight that I could easily gamble but dont want to as I know my hard earned money is coming through on Thursday and after paying my monthly debts the rest is for me to enjoy/save.

Busy tomorrow and Sunday so will soon be Monday and il be 4 weeks clean, 10 to go.

rst

fella a continued well done from me for your efforts in arresting the destruction that was your gambling.

Great to see you are eating into your target of being gamble free until your holiday.

My advice is start thinking about your next target after that,they are great for self motivation.

Oh and the addictive side of the brain hates it!!!

Keep making the right choice

Duncs stepping forward never back

Day 30, totally lost track of days as have been busy and not had chance to come on here. Really good article on the overcoming gambling section with a list of things that James P says are crucial to quitting. Have printed this and have it in my room so can have a quick read if I need a lift.

Dunc thanks for your words, my next goal will be to halve my debt by the end of 2015 this will require me to get a promotion in my current workplace which I'm working on by taking on new responsibility and just generally working my a**e off as I have more energy and am not side tracked by gambling.

Football tonight then seeing the mrs so keeping busy, also did a lot of cleaning and tidying during the weekend which I actually really enjoyed 🙂

Day 32 - Payday 🙂 takes the pressure off a little bit as was having to be really careful with my money at the weekend. But head screwed on and carrying on as normal keeping to my tight budget will hopefully see the rewards at next payday. Only 64 days until holiday 1/3 of the way there!

Well what an idiot. Was doing so well then a few days of gambling am I'm so in the brown stuff. 1,500 down in 2 days through chasing. I'm now going to struggle to save for holiday and my bank wont let me have another loan. Help!!! Is there anyway I can reduce my loan repayments. Currently 280 a month. I'm panicking at work right now.

don't give up rst18

so many examples of people on here who have turned it around

if that's not enough could you get help elsewhere? doctors? groups? ga?

Thanks triangle well I've increased my overdraft on debit card just so I can get by til next pay day which is still 3 weeks away. No way of getting any loan which in a way is a good thing as I already have too much to pay off.

So annoyed as I had started to save up and now all that plus an extra 1000 gone. Having now calmed down a bit since my initial panic and have cancel the new account.

With around 60 days until holiday I can try to stay out of trouble. Going for it this time.

Hi, my name is Michael just want to let you know you can do this. Build from your failure don't handle money and you can get there. I was just talking to someone like you today and sometimes we all let the amount we lost drag us back. You have got to forget, focus and move on. Not easy but can be done.

Michael

Hi rst - Glad to read that you are feeling a bit more positive. re. finances, if you look at the thread 'Financial Advice Needed' from D70 on the 'Overcoming problem gambling' page, there are lots of good suggestions for loan management etc. which you may find helpful.

Best wishes,

Joanna