I am an addict!

Feel exactly the same, Rob. Also on Day 1. I'll look out for your posts and we can support each other.

Keep fighting the fight.

Dave

Cheers Dave! definitely!

I don't even know why I'm doing it.

The gambling or the recovery? 😉

I have a few ideas why I feel empty, but everyone is different. I had some counselling at uni and found it useful - have a think about looking into that through here - its free and the woman I spoke to over the phone to set it up was really nice.

As you know, I didn't go in the end but I have more self-awareness now through my own reflection (which started through the uni counselling).

Ultimately, I feel like it boils down to just having something solid to enjoy and being thankful for the positives we have. We don't need gambling, mate, there's a world out there to enjoy.

Also, one really important thing I took from the uni counseling - don't beat yourself up. You can't change what is done.

What you can change is the future. Build one with the people who love you.

Also, if your Mrs is supportive, throw yourself at her mercy in terms of cash and access to cash - anything that stops you throwing coin at the bookies will help. For example, I'm going to give my GF my cash and cards when we go out and try to arrange a duplicate statement for my bank to be sent to her.

I really can't stress the 'don't beat yourself up' point enough though - nobody can ever hate you more than yourself and people can surprise you with their compassion.

DG

haha.

I'm thinking of going to a GA meeting to see what that's like, i've self excluded all my accounts as well.

exactly I feel that i need to keep really busy over the next few weeks and find things i want to fill my time with.

Has your girlfriend always know about your addiction?

She has. Just wrote you a massive post and then clicked 'back' by accident and it went. The short version was:

Use the support of your GF and be honest with her. Be honest with yourself.

If you feel isolated or like you're going to gamble, come here - I'll be on a lot as I'm currently looking for work. If I'm not around, someone else will be.

You're not on your own, pal. Let's put the work in together and beat this f*****g madness!

Hi Rob, don't know what it is with the name Rob but I can think of about 6 other Rob's on hete lol

well done on coming on here this place offers great support like you I was a sports better mainly football

god move self excluding from your accounts that's one side of the "triangle" time money and location but there is always more out there so some blocking software or parental controls on your internet access. If you bet in bookies self exclude either in person or you can do this over the phone I can give you the details if you need them doing all that would get rid of the location part

It easy to not gamble when you have no money but when you have acces to money it's hard if someone can help look after your finances that breaks another side of the triangle Money Done

Time is the hard one I spent a lot of time gambling and had to fill that time spend it with family take up old hobbies

ise the support of your partner be completely honest no point holding anything back she will only find out in time

I see you mention GA I attend regularly an it is a huge part of me going nearly 10 months gamble free. It was scary to walk on but it was the best gamble I have ever made any questions on GA let me know.

Keep updating your diary with good and bad days an read lots of others they are full of great tips(not that kind) and inspirational stuff.

I look forward to following your progress any questions or support you need just ask

KTF

Morning everyone,

I'm going to go rounnd all the bookies in the town today and self exclude, do i need to have pictures or anything? I'm leaving my wallet at home so there's no temptation to have one last bet.

I feel completely relieved that other people now know that I was still gambling!

Going to my first GA meeting tomorrow night.

Rob

Hi rob

Yes you will need a picture just take it in and fill a form in. You'll be surprised how empowering it feels once you have done it.

You can also excluded over the phone and be email from multiple bookies I have done about 60 this way. Here is a link to a thread on how to do it.

http://www.gamcare.org.uk/forum/self-excluding-bookies-over-phone

Good lad.

Rob - how you doing, mate?

Hi everyone,

Had a very good day, it was so satisfying walking into these places that I've wasted so much money in and say no more.

Went for a walk with the girlfriend to talk things through, and caught up with her brother and niece. Kept busy and didn't miss having a bet at all today despite having money.

I know they'll be tougher days than this but it makes you realise what a waste of time it all is!

Rob

How's Sunday treating you, pal?

Had a brilliant day today.

Went shopping with a pal and then went back to his for a bit which turned into spending the evening there, having a roast dinner and playing cards for the night.

No temptation at all to have a bet, now to the grind of the working week, which seems to be most of the problem, gambling out of boredom!

My girlfriend has made me promise to text her everytime i think I want to have a bet.

I've also given her my credit card so I can't use that to gamble.

Rob