It's now or never!... 13th May 2018

Thanks, Caughtup.

Enjoying life at the moment. No real urges to gamble 🙂

Dan x

Hats off to you Dan, great to see it going well mate.

Keep up the good work, 20 days, racking ‘em up!

Cheers, ukds!

I’ve been surprised at the relative ease I’ve found it to abstain this time around. It’s too early to say ‘I’ve cracked it’ (although I don’t think I’d ever say that anyway) but the signs look good.

Dan

Day 21

Went out last night in town for a meal and drinks afterwards. I had a great time and it reminded me of the type of things that I’d been missing out on whilst I was gambling. I’d have used that £40 last night to deposit online.

This morning, as I write this, I’m sat outside in the glorious sunshine with a cup of coffee. Bliss.

Again, rewind 3 weeks and I’d have still been in bed doing some form of gambling for the next few hours.

Life feels much calmer for me at the moment. As each day passes, I’m feeling a sense of pride self worth.

Have a great Sunday! Enjoy the sun.

Dan

Day 23

Everything pretty much the same. No urges. I’ve not even thought about gambling in the last couple of days. I have money to gamble but the blocks are that strong, that I’m not even considering it as an option. It really doesn’t interest me.

I’m going to take a break from the diaries. I feel like I need to take a break from all things gambling related as I feel it’ll do me good.

I wish everyone the very best of luck. When I’ll be back, I don’t know.

But I very much intend to still be gamble free when I return.

Thanks again!

Dan

Hi Dan,

Best of luck, I’m sure you will be fine during that time.

Look forward to hearing back from you upon your return!

Back again after a short break from the diaries.

Happy to report that I’m still gamble free.

I’m beginning to enjoy my life a little bit more as each day passes.

Last night I had a mate round for a Chinese. When he came round last time, I’d just lost (minutes before!) a couple of hundred pound on online roulette. I had to put on a brave face for the evening when all I wanted was for him to go so that I could suffer in peace. Last night was a much more pleasant experience though. I had so much fun.

Today I went to see the new Star Wars film with my brother and I’ll be going out into town with my cousin a bit later for some drinks.

It’s how life should be lived!

I must admit I’ve felt a bad flat today for some reason. I’m just being impatient and wanting my finances to grow faster than they are doing, which isn’t going to happen. This recovery requires patience amongst other things.

Still, I’m happy with my progress so far. Closing in on one whole month gamble free which for me is a huge milestone.

I’ll post on some diaries when I get a moment this weekend.

Dan

Thank you Dan for posting on my diary. I will keep trying and living in hope. I have followed all the advice given but there are numerous bookies around who don't know me from Adam and wouldn't recognise me anyway with a sport's cap on. I have just got to have more courage, show some respect and behave with a little integrity

Congratulations on your excellent progress. 28 days into your recovery and with a very positive mindset.

I sincerely hope this is your time my friend, once and for all to rid yourself of this insidious addiction.

DeterminedDan wrote:

Why is it that when we give up gambling, we become really tight with our money?....

To be honest when I was gambled I was tight with money with everything apart from gambling. I would walk round the supermarket saving 50p here and there on offers, not getting branded stuff then getting to the lottery counter and spending £28 on scratchcards. I look back now and think what the hell was I doing?! Lol I do agree though, giving it all up has showed me the value of money again.

Well done on your progress can def relate to seeing the small things in life again which we were missing before. Walks, morning coffee etc.

Yes, I was the same. If I’d had a good day (winning) then I’d be flush with my money and buy things that I didn’t particularly need. If I’d lost, I wouldn’t.

Now that I’m gamble free, I’m finding myself resentfully paying for anything. Although I am getting slightly better with it.

I’ve had a few nights out recently whereby I’ve not thought about the money I’ve spent. So perhaps I need to find a happy medium with regards to how I deal with my money.

Well done on hitting 2 weeks gamble free! You’re well on your way now.

Keel up the good work!

Dan

DeterminedDan wrote:

Yes, I was the same. If I’d had a good day (winning) then I’d be flush with my money and buy things that I didn’t particularly need. If I’d lost, I wouldn’t.

Now that I’m gamble free, I’m finding myself resentfully paying for anything. Although I am getting slightly better with it.

I’ve had a few nights out recently whereby I’ve not thought about the money I’ve spent. So perhaps I need to find a happy medium with regards to how I deal with my money.

Well done on hitting 2 weeks gamble free! You’re well on your way now.

Keel up the good work!

Dan

Us gamblers seem to have a very messed up attitude todards money it’s one extreme or another! I feel better now not having a penny on me and finding pleasure (sounds cheesy) in the free things like spending time with friends and family.

Regarding the nights out, could you maybe give yourself so much cash and then go home once it’s gone?

Thank you for the good wishes, just concentrating on ODAAT as we all are.

Leedsfan333 wrote:

[quote=DeterminedDan]

Yes, I was the same. If I’d had a good day (winning) then I’d be flush with my money and buy things that I didn’t particularly need. If I’d lost, I wouldn’t.

Now that I’m gamble free, I’m finding myself resentfully paying for anything. Although I am getting slightly better with it.

I’ve had a few nights out recently whereby I’ve not thought about the money I’ve spent. So perhaps I need to find a happy medium with regards to how I deal with my money.

Well done on hitting 2 weeks gamble free! You’re well on your way now.

Keel up the good work!

Dan

Us gamblers seem to have a very messed up attitude todards money it’s one extreme or another! I feel better now not having a penny on me and finding pleasure (sounds cheesy) in the free things like spending time with friends and family.

Regarding the nights out, could you maybe give yourself so much cash and then go home once it’s gone?

Thank you for the good wishes, just concentrating on ODAAT as we all are.

Yes, to be honest it’s just me being extra tight on myself because of my past gambling antics. I’m trying to be uber disciplined. Similar to your mindset.

The truth is, if I’m gamble free, things will improve in my life.

Day 29

A successful day. Why? Because I haven’t gambled.

I’ve just come in from work. Have put the tea on. Then I’ll have an hour or so to let it go down before going for a 10km run this evening.

I really want to get myself back into shape. I’m finding that so hard at the moment. The temptation to just eat snacks in front of the tv at night is too much. I’m finding that harder than abstaining from gambling. Which truth be told, I’ve not really had many urges so far.

This recovery feels different somehow. Normally I’d be itching to have a bet by now. Especially given the world cup approaching and all the cricket that’s on. But nothing! I just don’t see the point.

I have zero desire to gamble because I’m dedicated to getting my life back on track and being normal like everybody else. Day by day I’m getting there.

The blocks I have in place have helped massively too. I think deep down I’m too scared to gamble because of the promises that I’ve made to my loving girlfriend who I could not bear to let down again.

However, I’m under no illusion that I have this thing cracked. It’s still very early days in comparison to a life time ahead.

But today, I’m feeling positive.

Dan

Well done on a month Dan just read ur diary from start to finish uve done really well

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Thanks Adam!

I’m finally beginning to find peace with myself now that I’ve rid gambling from my life. Long may it continue. Gambling can do one! 🙂

Well done on hitting 15 days too mate! You’re well on the road to recovery.