I have gambled for 20 years. I have chased now and again but now no matter what it is, I keep chasing till I have nothing let. Never in my life did I think gambling could affect me but it has a lot in the past few months. I am back here to kick it for good. I am scared if I don’t it will eat away at me till I think the only way out is to do something drastic to escape the pain. We work to hard to waste it all away on betting. Onto day 1 of my diary to kick this altogether.
Dear allyc1981,
Welcome back to our Forum and thank you for sharing what you're going through. I hope you can find some solace in our community here; you are not in this alone.
I would encourage you to speak with our advisers if you haven't already, either on our helpline (0808 8020 133) or through our live chat. We're here 24/7 so you can call whenever is best for you. There's a lot of gambling support we can talk through together.
I can hear too that gambling has caused you a lot of pain, I wonder if you've got any support for your mental health? Please know you can reach out for help with this as well.
Wishing you all the best,
Jamie
Forum Admin
Day 1. Keeping busy with work etc. feeling down today. It will lift the more the days go on. Feeling stupid to falling into the trap again. I have my wife’s 40th coming up. So that will be my main aim. I have stop for a year before so it can be done. You have to be strong and stay focused. Keep on this diary constantly talking. Suffering in silence is not the answer.
its a pointless activity that drains time and resources even when i am gambling I get sick of it after an hour or two , does my nut in like going around in a circle
20 years you have given it a fair old go time to jack it in
hello allyc and welcome!
Have you reached out to those close to you?
Is anybody controlling your money snd handing you a small allowance for which you have to provide receipts nigh on to the penny?
Dors that sound awkward to you as you have much to learn about this as a drug addiction.
the gaps even as year or more are not a full sign of control.... thats the power of this addiction which will show itself when the conditions are right for it.... stress anxiety and even a fslse sense of contentment or complacency will spark it.
A true recovery is more about realising this is in you somewhere for a lifetime
that statement turns into a positive statement to control your life
best you have your money protected because this is about saving your life and stopping gambling now
you will rattle and then you will recover but it takes talking and therapy with family and friends
you will recover but you will be monitored for everyones safety
I have been in recovery for years but I still state I am a recovering gambling addict addict. I have been a gambling addict and I tell those I trust who need to know
There is not really a day when I can go yippeee all done and dusted because i both fear and respect an addjction that controlled my mind for forty years.
I know its power and I have to discuss and be aware of my weaknesses to life situations acting as triggers
The biggest step I made was realising I was seriously ill with an addiction
An ill person getting better... not a bad person trying to be good
understanding addiction is much of the battle and it can be done
Best wishes for a gamble free life
I gambled daily since 1998, mobile betting changed my behaviours with gambling.
I have put one block in, via my banking app and its changed my habits. Today is day 80 for me, having bet daily, often double figure deposits being made, causing upset with my partner...causing me to lie. No more. Sport is simply sport once again - no stress of a corner or a yellow being given.
thanks for the comments. It means a lot as I don’t feel alone. 18 days gamble free but it has affected me mentally. I can’t shake it off. Trying to keep busy with work etc. I really don’t ever want to gamble again. Heading to work and keep busy.
You are never alone.
Dont put too much pressure on yourself, gradually the gambling adrenaline will subside. When its gone learn to relax again, it will happen but its a gradual process. You will smash this but don`t try to run before you can walk! the mental side will gradually come back together. Set realistic goals in the short term, and learn to mentally praise yourself when you achieve your goals. The longer term will take care of itself with a few lifestyle tweeks.
You have got this, and you are never alone, this is a success story in the making here!!
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