Hello guys I've spoken to some good people on here who have told me to get a diary going myself!
A bit of background information, I'm 24 and I've gambled for many years but nothing I haven't been too uncomfortable with. However over the past few weeks I've got really into blackjack and I'm struggling to control my stakes. I live at home and I currently don't have money issues so I'm hoping to tackle this early. Online gambling is my problem. It's almost like I don't feel it's real money it's all too easy. I block my accounts but when I get an urge I make another. I work as a postman (early finishes and alone a lot in the day) and don't currently have a relationship (so a lot of time alone) and boredom is also maybe a factor. So here it goes!!
Welcome Sam.
If I can give you an bit of advice it's a definite walk away now because sooner or later you will be in debt that's not scare tactics it's a promise. Most people don't even think of coming here until it's to late. So you're on the front foot.. It's a sign of addiction really taking hold when bets increase in size and stake. The little punt no longer feeds the beast.
It's good you're using blocking software and self exclusions.
Just make sure it's up to scratch.
From reading your story I couldn't resist adding a link here's what to do next time you get an urge to gamble
https://youtu.be/dcLbS0yxzdk
Peace
Thank you dean appreciate you taking the time to respond. You're right unless the stakes are big the satisfication has gone and that's scary. With no online accounts I do control myself a lot better.
... oh and great video... haha!
Terrible terrible urge this morning I don't know why. Hate feeling like this
Hi Sam no matter how bad an urge feels always remember the pain you first felt when you signed up. Urges especially early on are the pits. But I promise with each one you beat they'll become easier. Well done for choosing to write about it instead of acting on it.
Keep the faith
Deano
Kind words dean
Another tough day with so much temptation. Really want to fight this
Urges do come mate give me msssive headaches when I don't bet! But they get fewer apart, and as days go past it gets a little easier to say no!
^^
Yes that's how I'm thinking mate, better day today because I've been really busy!!!
Better few days, weekend is always a test though!
Just wanted to say chin up (I read your relapse) Post more often in here so you can go back over replies and take strength from them.
Change your bank card so you have a new 3 digit code at the back of the card, that'll render all online saved card details, obsolete.
Install K9 software on yoru computer so you don't gamble online, get someone you trust to create the admin password so you dont' know it, stops you trying to work your way around it.
Take out a batch of money each week and turn it into £5-ers, leave your bank card at home and take one £5 out with you in your wallet. At the end of the week, if you have any money left over, throw it into a credit union savings account. Seeing savings grow (even if it is slowly) is a great motivator
You CAN do this....chin up!
Self exclusion is the way forward Sam. Stay strong mate. I have wasted 12K on football bets in under a year and my only help to block this addiction was to self exclude from all gambling sites.
thabks Thank you for the nice words. Still feel bad but with no bank card the urge has gone this week (because I know even if I wanted to I have no way of betting) as I have already said i know this isn't a long term fix but I'm hoping for a couple of weeks if I don't have a card then when I need money for every day things I have to go to the bank.
Thanks again
Just then Seeing me post Friday how well I was doing really does make me feel low. Such a shame and such an idiot
It's only a problem if you let your darker thoughts drag you down. Stay positive. You're going to do better this time ok!
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