Hi all
I hope every one had a lovely Christmas and remained GF.
I am writing this to remind myself for next year and everyday leading upto it that I can do this and recover.
I am now 53 days GF and cannot believe I'm kind of getting my old self back!
My wife and children had a lovely Xmas and I managed to provide them with everything they asked for with the help of my parents supporting me after the mistakes I made 53 days ago.
So Xmas day came and went and was a beautiful day, now onto boxing day! The previous years either spent at Stamford Bridge supporting my Chelsea with the lads and few beers and bets later, I'd stroll home and feel worst for wear for few days!
Not this year, due to playing away and national tier system I was unable to attend, I'm trying to avoid the drink situation as do not want it to lead me back somewhere I don't want to be and making past mistakes to present mistakes!!
A whole day jammed packed with my loved gamed with the worry I may fail! I asked my wife to not let me be intimidated by the in laws around who yet to know my addiction which took over me!
My in laws are arsenal, the London Derby against my Chelsea is hours away, we've eaten, they're talking about score lines, goal scorers and build a bets (used to be my favourite). In my head I'm thinking about staying strong, keeping clean and not failing myself or my family!!
There was times within the game I was opening up, telling them not to place another bet, they couldn't believe the words were coming out my mouth! In a roundabout way I confessed I've been in a dark place but out of 6 people only 2 were taking in my plea, my confessions and my warnings!! I didn't want to just shout it out so I just held it in!!
So I was upset..... Chelsea lost, normally I'd sulk all day, my wife came over, hugged me and said she was proud I've stayed strong and believes in me, the loss of Chelsea went and I focused on what I achieved that day!!
I had a couple of drinks (not too many) we were all gathered in the kitchen talking about the game, they were gloating and I turned around and asked "how did the bets go?? Everyone said not good!!
There was only 1 winner boxing day in my eyes and that weren't anything to do with football!! It was a man who had a strong wife next to him defeating his demons!!
Sorry its a long post but I needed that off my chest!!
Take care all x
Great to hear this mate! First Boxing Day for me after being gamble free for over 9 months where I haven’t placed a bet on the footy.
Keep strong!
Well done man, must have been a lot of temptsation there. Shows how far you have come in those 53 days. Each day gets better so stay strong and look forward to a gamble free new year.
ps - Watching the blades right now could drive me to drink 🙂
Thanks for replying.
Well done on 9 months that's excellent!
Have a good new year
Lots of temptations but I have to do this and stay clean.
Feeling for blades, I can't see what's changed from last year.
All the best
hi mate, yes I've been thru this too with matesvi used to play poker with... They would invite me to games and I'd say I don't gamble anymore and am part of gamstop.... Then a month later they would ask me again.. ... U just have to distance yourself from them other than when u have to see them, they won't change, they will keep going on about bets until they see a problem then u can help.... I have recently seen three of them over Christmas I got UA to meet in a coffee shop rather than pub with fruit machines, it was nice but talk of poker, Vegas and other games is never far from their minds. .. .. With this in mind I have just distanced myself and only see them when I'm really strong as in the past months worth of being gamble free has gone down the drain when I see them. .. Feel very proud of yourself u done it and u know when u wake up tomo in a daze u will think did I gamble? Then u will realise you didn't and feel great.
Big Dean,
Great to read your post! Very early on in my journey and 53 days seems a long way off for me - but definitely taken inspiration from the position you’re currently in.
Well done and thanks for the boost.
LT
Well done Deano ?
I can remember when we first spoke in October.
Chelsea 1-0 up against the Villa tonight ?
Keep it going mate, this isn’t going to beat us now we have come this far ??
75 days GF on the 1st Jan for me pal
Thinking about it i f I was u I'd tell ur in-laws of ur problem then they won't mention their bets anymore and will be more aware, that's what I done with my friends.
Lt everyone starts on day 1 and can only do their best to beat this addiction!! I look at others and gain inspiration so just keep fighting hard mate.
C17ort yes mate we've had our chats about footie ain't we but we won't talk about tonight lol. We are lacking something, I look at villa and grealish and mcginn could walk straight into our midfield some how, think they are quality and consistent, mount, havertz pulisic and werner just don't seem to be consistent or passionate!!
Adam mate I really appreciate your advice mate, we've had our chats along the way and you've always got something positive and productive to say so thank you!!
1 friend I have had to distance myself from cos he would bet me the next colour car to come round the corner!!
My in laws I did try to tell them in a roundabout way but 1 it's not a proud moment and 2 it was Christmas /boxing day and didn't want to dampen the mood lol.
Thanks to all on here you're always amazing
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
