On 16th of February I finally have made a decision to admit my gambling problem to my friend. It took me almost 4 years to admit that I cannot battle it alone and I definitely need to look for a help in order to stop.
Through all those years I have tried to stop with use of different methods, but offcourse, as I knew that no one does not knows and I can breach the words given to me, I was able to gamble again and again. I have lost a lot, but fortunately were able to keep my family up. Well, it was definitely not the life that I were wishing.
Few month ago, I came to a point that I started completely understanding that no bet will make me happy and that I won't be able to win anything. Knowing that, on my hard trigger days I still been depositing and of course loosing everything up. You could imagine that my mental conditions were worthing each and every day to the point that suicide thought were rapidly comming to mi mind.
I have decided to stop. Completely. With no excuses and ways back. Fortunately my dew point made me talk to my friend. So happy with it. We have now agreed some plans and installed a good layer of protection on my devise, including gamban and parental control, access to which my friend has. I have given a promises and those should be the final one, otherwise my family will be more affected. We made some milestones that I have to work out as well.
I know it's a hard way. I know that I will be suffering, but this suffer is for a good and I have to path through it to make my life returning to a normal again. I'm completely positive and therefore, I would like to keep this thread to share my progress with you all on a daily or weekly base, share my thoughts, conditions, and anything else. So, 16th of February we declared Day #1. Looking for your support as well!
Hello Newinblock,
Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your story.
It sounds like you are currently feeling positive about making progress in your approach to recovery, which is great to see.
As you mentioned that you had suicidal thoughts a few months ago, here are some additional resources, in case those thoughts arise again:
Stay Alive App: https://www.stayalive.app/
There is information here: https://prevent-suicide.org.uk/
You could also think about talking with your GP, if your mood becomes challenging to manage.
If you are based in Britain, please feel welcome to call us on our freephone. We can look at additional support options, if you like.
Take care,
Adam.
I want to express my utmost admiration and support for your courageous decision to confront and address your gambling problem. It takes immense strength to acknowledge such challenges and even greater courage to take decisive action towards recovery. Your openness about your struggles is a testament to your commitment to change, and I am grateful that you felt comfortable sharing this journey with me.
I want you to know that you are not alone in this. Your decision to seek help and involve me in your support system is a significant step towards reclaiming control over your life. The fact that you've recognized the need for external assistance and have taken concrete measures to protect yourself is commendable.
Your honesty about the impact gambling has had on your life, both financially and emotionally, is a vital acknowledgment. It is clear that you have reached a turning point, where the pursuit of happiness through betting is no longer a viable option. The awareness that no bet can bring you genuine happiness is a profound realization, and it marks the beginning of a new chapter in your life.
The protective measures you've implemented, such as installing Gamban and parental controls, demonstrate a proactive approach to breaking free from the cycle of addiction. Establishing milestones and holding yourself accountable with promises is a commendable strategy. Remember that setbacks may occur, but what matters is your commitment to learn and grow from those experiences.
Your decision to share your progress, thoughts, and conditions on a regular basis is both brave and wise. This transparency not only holds you accountable but also creates a support network for you to lean on during challenging times. I am honored to be a part of this journey with you and am here to offer encouragement, understanding, and support every step of the way.
As you embark on this challenging but transformative path, remember that healing is a process. Celebrate the small victories, be kind to yourself during setbacks, and lean on the support around you. Your positive attitude towards the road ahead is inspiring, and I believe that your commitment to change will lead to a brighter and more fulfilling future.
Day #1 is a powerful starting point, and each day that follows will bring you closer to the life you envision. Your determination is a beacon of hope, and I am looking forward to witnessing your progress and celebrating your successes together.
Stay strong, stay positive, and know that you have a steadfast ally in this journey.
With sincere support
@forum-admin Hi Adam, many thanks for support. Indeed, visiting GP for an advise is also that we thinking about. We agreed to monitor my mental conditions, and make an appointment if no improvement will be seen.
As you have mentioned, I'm quite positive at this moment, despite already having some urge. But will use this thread to keep you guys updated 😀
I'm based in Netherlands, and already using some resources, but it's easier for me to use English speaking forums.
Keep it up bro, u r not alone 💪 already Day 3!!! 🥳
@yowsgriznl good day friend! I much appreciate your support and warm welcoming me in this community. Each and every word you're wrote means a lot for me and I feel completely supported by the nice people, who with I can finaly share my thought, feelings, and struggles that I might be having without feeling ashamed.
I still have that "shame and blame" though towards myself, as each and every EUR I've spent could change my life, but I know that I'm still capable to earn even more than I had. This way, I have accepted the losses and not looking forward to gain them back by playing, as I used to do through all those years. That's simply will never happen.
I have now completely no doughts that I made a right decision and took steps by addressing my problem and seeking help both in real live and here.
I have started to make some notes, writing down my filling. Here is what I had yesterday evening :
17 February 24. 23:23. I have an urge. The game simply does not going out of my mind. I'm trying to focus on something else but that seems is out of my power to control. Im a bit depressed but I know that I'm safe and well controlled. I made the game taking over me and I'm going to make it leave me. ...
@4r5wlsq7hj thanks bro! Now I'm completely sure about it. Long way to go, but with your support in specific I'm positive that I'll manage it ! 🥳
Hey all, not really counting the days, as previously I've managed to stay weeks without gambling, but something new that I'm noticing now. Few days already that I'm having some strange headaches and painkillers does not help.
Did a bit of googling, and it seems that one of the symptoms that I might previously been linking to my immune system treatment. Not a great filling to be honest, but more or less manageable.
In any case, still staying positive 😇
22.02.24 Well, I have started linking my headaches to a possible burnout that I'm having at work. Took a sick leave for a few days and had a message from my colleague this morning, and then it started. Have an appointment with GP as well to discuss the mental condition and symptoms.
Not really thinking about gaming but more about the milestones I have set up for myself.
@fu82e6hrpd good progress mate, gambling is not on yr mind. Headache is bad tho, so GP should refer u to professional, hopefully they will help with burnout... i know the feeling mate. Stay positive, go for a run or gym,helped me clear my head and stay fit and healthy 💪
And stay focused on every milestone, tomorrow is 1 week of new you, we shall celebrate 🥳
Xxx
@fu82e6hrpd good progress mate, gambling is not on yr mind. Headache is bad tho, so GP should refer u to professional, hopefully they will help with burnout... i know the feeling mate. Stay positive, go for a run or gym,helped me clear my head and stay fit and healthy 💪
And stay focused on every milestone, tomorrow is 1 week of new you, we shall celebrate 🥳
Xxx
Thanks mate! Indeed, a few beers might be an option, but the real celebration should come later as per our schedule 😀 I know that I would have an urges and bad times still, as salary should drop into account soon 🤣
Been at the GP today as well, they gave me a list to fill up and might be direct me to a burnout specialised psychologist in few weeks 🙈 what a life..
Hi All, it's a 2 weeks gambling free. So far, it's going okay. Had a few minor urges but managed to redirect my mind to other things. In any case, some times thoughts about the slots are still visiting me.
Still staying positive despite some sickness I have in parallel. We'll get there for sure !
It is nearly 3 weeks gamble free.
I now struggle with a lot of stress and burnout from my work. I realised that previously I've been finding my way out of the work related stress in gambling, that seems turned my mind and thoughts away of it.
Honestly, I find more hard to manage that stress out now, than my gambling addiction, which I mostly don't think about.
Have started paying off my debts as well.
To keep in records and in a scale from 0 to 10 today:
Mental: 2
Overall health: 4
Motivation: 6
Almost 1 month gambling free. What a progress!!!
So much happened during this period, specially that I'm now on a sick leave due to the burnout. Cannot imagine how much money would I lost if I wouldn't be blocked and controlled. So proud of myself.
It is a stunning 5 weeks gambling free! Keep going!
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