Going to keep this thread now!

Hi Freda.

I'm just catching up on a few diaries and it is great to see you doing so well. Sometime this week you will reach 50 days without gambling? If you can do 50 days then why not forever?

Keep it going Freda!

ee yes! thanks Curly and SA

after Wednesday I will have done 50. It is bothering me less than ever before - maybe I have turned a corner? hope so.

Day 50! today I will not gamble.

Suffering a little from depression, it comes and goes, but this abstinence overall has improved my mood.

Bit of a funny day, but I don't think I gambled. Went to the seaside with my friend and her 2 kids and we all ended up in the arcades. Her daughter asked me to put some coins into the 2p shove thing for her, because she couldn't reach! Also had a couple of goes on the grab a toy things, and I have to say this is very loosely speaking gambling, because you are trying to win the toy. However, I do feel that my abstinence is still intact, and this kind of situation isn't going to come up all the time.

Hi Freda.

Thanks for your post.

Wouldn't worry too much about trying to win a toy for your friends kid.We got back from holidays a few weeks back and where we were they had those win a toy/Teddybear machines everywhere.Anyway my two youngest ofcourse wanted to win one.....i had to help them out there as that claw thing was hard to use.

My own personal view i wouldn't consider this gambling.But i can understand for some it could trigger certain thoughts that lead back to gambling.

It was a waste of money though thats for sure....but hey my kids had a good time and thats what counts on holidays.

Glad to see your still going strong - 50 days is great...keep it up!

We can beat this.

All my best.

Viggo.

Today is day 52! feeling good about that. at this point, I like to look back at the last 52 days and ask myself - has my life been awful without gambling? has there been something 'missing'?

Actually, NO. When I'm in action, I think I need to gamble, like I once thought I needed to smoke cigarettes. I don't need either.

Hi f

Good post that.

You're spot on, we don't NEED to gamble. And that is a lot clearer when not gambling. It's only when in action that the need seems to be there, chasing the inevitable losses.

Well done on the continued abstinence.

Take care

M

Hi Freda.

Well done on the 52 days and your so right about do i need to gamble=no.

As for the smokes.....i wish i could stop or at least cut down a bit....did well for a while but i'm still smoking.I guess with me its one thing at a time.Quit gambling but still smoking.Any tips on quitting smoking would be welcome!

Have a great weekend.

Viggo.

Thanks Viggo and mr t

I used nicotine gum, which takes the edge away. I also stayed away from alcohol for a while, as that was when it was hardest. Each craving only lasts a few minutes too, so I would tell myself 'if I still want a cigarette this badly in 15 minutes I will re assess the situation!'

Is not easy at first but SOOOOO worth it.

Well just a little post from me to say no gambling, day 53 put to bed! will be 8 weeks on Tuesday.

Had a gambling dream last night, *shudder*. Usually I win in the dreams, but I lost really quickly and just felt deflated.

It was just a dream. Your doing mighty fine Freda... keep going!... S.A 🙂

Hi Freda

Well done on the continued abstinence. Along the lines of your dreams (or nightmares!) I too have been experiencing these of late. Having lost a small fortune last night in a dream I woke up really irritable and grumpy and took a good hour to settle down into the fact that it was just a dream! Didn't feel happy until I had checked my online banking account.

Grumpiness has passed now, but it didn't half feel weird!!

Anyway, back to the real world!

Will have to have a renewed effort at packing in the f**s soon, just one thing at a time at the moment. Did give up for 3 and half years and thought I control it and have the odd one. Controlled smoking ha!, all or nothing!

Have a good day

M

I have had a s**t day, but it is still 8 weeks ago today that I last gambled.

I am so thankful for having had the strength over these past 8 weeks, as it is 5 weeks since I applied for the dole and have still not had a decision as to whether I am allowed it (as I resigned from my last job). Finally got through to an advisor this afternoon, after sitting on hold for 20 minutes - they are now 'looking into it'. They shouldn't put people in this position.

Anyway, I have struggled with anger today over this issue. It makes me aware that emotionally I am run down, and need to live as quietly and gently as possible.

As an aside, as I was walking home with hubby today, I saw a very drunk and confused looking woman being dragged into an ambulance. Where was she being dragged from? of course, an arcade. I imagine they only called an ambulance for her once her purse was empty..

Hi Freda.. sorry you had a s**t day. Am surprised its taken the dole 5 weeks and they still have not made a decision about your claim. When i resigned from my job last year they dealt with it within a week. Put in a complaint. You need to stress the fact that you resigned on health grounds and maybe get a supporting letter from your doc. I hope you have a better day today. Take care.. S.A 🙂

P.s A big well done on your 8 weeks gamble free!

Thanks SA

I was discouraged from mentioning my anxiety as my advisor said they might question whether I should be signing on at all, if I am not fit for full time work.

I got really upset about it yesterday, as I had to phone them up 3 times and still no one called back. I initially had a 5 hour call back - no one rang, they then promised me a 1 hour call back - nothing, then a 1 hour call back from a SUPERVISOR, still nothing. I was beside myself with frustration, and ended up having a panic attack and taking some Valium. It was like banging my head against a brick wall for 8 hours.

The supervisor was supposed to call me back by 2pm yesterday and I have still not received any call.

I still have not gambled, but had another gambling dream last night. It is a mark of my frustration I think.