Heeeeeeelp!!

Another mile stone achieved. Today I bought some new clothes without the idea of trying to win some. So many times previously I've gone to buy new clothes but get into my head I'll win a couple it hundred and have some free stuff, 20 mins later I'm 200 quid down and buying the same top but instead of it costing 50 quid it's cost 250. I could've gone on holidays with what I've lost a few times. Anyway felt good to have a little control, now trying to find the motivation to go from a run and am absolutely struggling

So another day gamble free but still can't get my diet together. Sure I feel depressed as I'm not gambling although gambling never has a good affect on my diet and exercise routine. It's bugging me a little if I'm honest. Does anyone else get like this when they stop as if something is missing? I don't miss losing but I do miss having something to follow as if it's been part of my life for so long. Get my head down and forget about it

Hi Hf .

It's crazy isn't it that not gambling makes you depressed yet when in the grip of gambling we get depressed for the problems that very act causes ?. Such is it's power to pull us back in and I'm pretty sure it's just as with many addictions, in that were suffering withdrawl symptoms . I know when I first stopped it left a huge hole and a massive feeling of emptyness and I really couldn't get my head around why I felt at times like going back to it when it had caused me so much heartache, so your not alone with those feelings my friend .

It does get easier though the more distance you put between you and that last bet and for me if I'm honest I really don't get those feelings anymore , although with all the stuff I've filled my life with since giving up I'd really struggle to find time to gamble even if I wanted to .

It'll get better , just keep pushing on and once all that feel good juice starts flowing as your diet and exercise programme becomes a part of normal life and instead of gambling your life away just like I did then the results will show my friend :)).

Stay positive and look after yourself :)) .

Best wishes .............Alan

Thanks for the comment Alan, it's crazy how can u miss something that can cause you pain. I do enjoy it if I'm honest while it lasts and that's the problem that bad times far out weigh the good times. Also when I'm have a run of a couple of weeks winning it consumes me day and night I never save any more just buy needless c**P then when I lose I'm out of pocket. Nevertheless another day down, having a beer out the back all is good

Got through a friday afternoon with no stress which is an achievement as usually it's high and lows and me ended up a few hundred down from 10 mins of madness. I spent it running around for family and not putting off anything I've planned. Just having family over for a BBq, going to enjoy some quality time without feeling guilty of what I've been up to

Had a great time last night little bit hungover today. Usually I'd place a load of sports bets and sit and watch the results roll in. No real urges today but will be vigilant

2nd gamble free weekend complete. Took parents for a spin to the seaside today. I was almost on autopilot as I walked past an amusement arcade where I would usually lose a few quid. Managed to come to my senses and not go on. Shows I shouldn't switch off

Hello. Its cool reading your diary as its clear to see that you do want to stop. And youve made a cracking start mate. People outside these circles dont understand but honestly, the longer you can go the clearer your mindset will become. But you are very right in saying never switch off, you have to be black and white on it solidly. No gambling again ever. No £5 or £5 here or there, because we already know how it will end. Well done pal and keep it going, you know youve got it in you. Have you spokem to Gamcare?

Alright mate. Well done on your progress so far. I like the honesty in your posts and I can really relate to much of what you say. The determination to never do it again feels soo strong, then the next chance we have we do exactly the same thing again. Crazy. I haven't managed to be completely gamble free recently which is frustrating. Before it all goes wrong it is enjoyable as you say but the inevitability of what is around corner should stop us. If only it was that straightforward. Keep it up

Hi both thanks for the comments. I didn't speak to gamcare this time. I had approx 4-5 instances recently where I'd won £3-400 each time I couldn't get out of the bookies with the cash so lost the lot. In the end I just thought what is the point? I can't stop to even enjoy it so enough was enough. It took me a few quid but it was the kick that I needed.
Long way to go but just not having my brain work 24/7 about what games or odds I'll bet on has been nice. Joining fat club tonight which should give me 5he kick I need to lose some weight

I know what you mean about not leaving with the money. Been there a hundred times. Even if you actually do walking past the next bookies is almost impossible without getting stuck back in.
It does get so much easier over time mate I did over a year a while back but then kidded myself that a few quid here and there wouldn't be a problem. That was definitely completely wrong.
The temptations can be strong but just remember how you feel after losing. It can be done

That's why I'm going to try to keep this going, I've quit for a few months a good few times but u start off with a small football bet and next thing I know is I'm back in the thick of it. Sad thing is I can work my way into a decent position with a few quid in the bank and I always find a way to mess it up. A couple of years back I was reading someone's diary who was saying wouldn't it be sad if I'm still here in the next to or 10 years well it is don't sort it out I will be that sad git. Time to get my head together

Actually managed to drive by the bookies stop at a post office and not even think about going in today. Also my wife was looking at some new patio furniture today so I said she could have the money I'd saved by not gambling. Felt good to do that

Can't say I haven't had any urges today seen an offer for a betting account that it was decent then had to shake myself. Really wish I could reprogrammed my mind to never having gambled in the first place. It's mad how this is going to be with me the rest of my life. Having a beer in the sunshine and looking forward to the rugby on Saturday. Mini goal not to gamble for the whole lions tour I'll read dress once that's complete. Usually I'd have a number of bets on the matches

Those urges will get easier Hf and in time you won't notice all the wonderfull " Suck em in and spit em out " advert's , my first couple of months were spent noticing every bookies shop I ever used to go in , even driving in the car it was like " Yeah been in there , been in there " but now if I do notice one I just reminisce about how bad it got for me and how glad I am to be out of it all .

Looking forwrd to the Lions tour myself but it's nice to watch it for the game this time and not the wagers I'd watch go down !.

Have a good evening Bud :))