...

Hi Sandra

A big well done on the 7 days gamble free it might not seen much but when gambling has played a big part of ur life for the last year it takes a massive mental step change just to stop so be proud of urself for that as is really is not easy

Life problems play a massive part in why people gamble its sometimes easier to gamble and block all that pain away instead of facing up to them , finding the balance is key try to deal with what u can and the ones u can't leave them and dont worry till u can

Ultimately though it all comes down to choices to make that decision to choose whether to gamble or not , one will lead to a life of misery the one u know oh so well the other will be a life of whatever u make it , gambling is ruthless it will take everything from u it doesn't know when to stop , it takes all our self belief self confidence and replaces it with self hatred and loathing

Hopefully after 7 days the real u will start to return the confidence and belief will come back , each day u dont gamble will make u stronger and strength is the key in fighting this disease

Plan ur days well , boredom is another key factor and when u do go out take out what u need only take no chances and dont let complacency play any part

Stay close to this amazing site get all the support and advice there is and put into ur own recovery

I wish u all the best

Castle2

hello castle,

thank you very much for your reply, its amazing to know there is support out there. i didn't realize it's gonna be this tough, but i am ready for this journey to change my life, accepting all the help possible. This site is amazing, i don't know where would i be or do if not of all of you guys. Small steps at the time.

Hi Sandra

Welcome to this forum! You are right, its a great place for support and sharing ideas.

Well done on taking the initial steps. I look forward to following your progress and wish you well!

Take care

Irene

x

Good on you for finding your way here, Sandra. You really are better off for having decided to quit the gambling. I was similar. My gambling went on for about a year and half, but I reached the point where you're probably at now where you need to stop for your own good. I wish you well on the start of an amazing journey. You can do this!

Best tip for the early days is if you have any urge to gamble, get yourself here instead. Post in your diary or read others. Urges will pass as the time will. You'll be stronger and will beat this.

All the best

Alex

Oh you all so great! I want to beat it and i hope i will. Its just started be very dificult to fight with myself. Im falling down a bit now. I don't gamble, just start having restless nights and facing all my demons if fall asleep. I can't believe i only had an hour kip last night, and dreamed of bloody slots. I know it took all my timebefore, but i don't want to spare a minute of my uncontious for that.

Anyway, day 8 (or 9 now) lost track in days really 🙂

Just bring it on! I wont let it beat me!

You all take great care too guys, there is no one in a team. I believe we all will be free. Step at the time.

Hi Sandra, looks like we stopped together, I was hooked big time on the betting shop roulette, its been a period of 4 years that's seen my life spiral out of control and into debt, these things are evil.

Gamcare were great they got a councillor in place for me very quickly, this forum whether reading or posting is the place to gain strength and determination especially in those dark moments when the urges become strong.

Stay strong and true to yourself, be proud of day 8 money isn't everything, it helps but we have lives to live and try to enjoy.... Straight forward, no looking back fake care x

Hello Sandra,

Congratulations for your decision and keep strong...i wish i could tell you how to defeat your demons,i cant because i cant do this for myself very well( but i fight it)...i also have this problem with nightmares,i can not sleep very well i dream of playing roulette...i think i shall move my jogging in the evening to exhaust myself and hope to sleep better....try to keep yorself busy!Be strong!Ivan

It's amazing to sleep at least 5 hours, i must of needed it after a week of struggle to sleep. I noticed, that if i get a bit down, i think about going back online, its like all the hate for myself floods up, and i just want to punish myself in a way, going back. I know i would loose again, so i must have some common sence not to go for it. Also thank you GamCare very much for suggesting web protection, that keeps my intentions well away, and of course helping to set up a counselling, which i start on Thursday. It's a challenge to go to see someone face to face, but now i start thinking how hard (or not) its gonna be, to keep all temptations away, because my sessions are gonna be in the heart of casino town. Don't get myself - i talk about the help im gonna get from Counselling, and my mind already on Casino and slots availability. But i suppose its double challenge for me, to face them all, and just say to my self NO- this time i come to this town to make a change in my life!

I will do it, because i see all of this mess is eating me alive inside out.

Thank you for your posts guys, keep your spirits high 🙂

sandra

Here we go, day 10. Feels like been to hell and back with my emotions. Have to stand and take better care for myself. Feel like going to the seaside, helps me to relax.

Roll on day 10 and so on .

Well done on your 10 days, Sandra. Double figures now. Don't look back. You can do this. Stay strong, be positive.

All the best

Alex

Sandra,

i have been 4 days now, and last night i dreamt i was gambling, pretty surreal, funny cos i didnt make me feel good in my dream, I was just frustrated and anxious......keep up the good work!!

Phil

thanx atk85 and Phil for posting.

I felt very low this morning, didn't know what to do with myself. I think i start thinking positive about all of this, i just thought - NO, i wont sit at home and feel sorry for myself, that just make me more miserable, instead i just went hairdressers, went shopping, filled my stomach after 10 days, and feel the whole lot better. Life goes on, and every single day is biggest achievement for me. i believe i will get out of this depressing state and find my old self. I'm sure i can do it, and i know we ALL can, so just stay strong and look forward.

One little tiny step at the time:)

Brick by brick, no looking back

Still day 10 and finally my body admits defeat and i can enjoy proper nights sleep in 7 days. Biggest thanx to Irene,Graham and the host we had tonight in chat room. It was fun. I feel great and would like to hold on to that feeling. Big day tomorrow,better get some rest.

Goodnight guys

Thanx for all your support, it means a lot to me.

Sandra