Going to start a diary as another tool to help climb out of this pit - gambling addiction.
1 day since gambled
Numb from the cold reality of how much money lost in a devastating 5 year slot habit. What have I done?!!!!
I know I can’t write the amount in here but it is a shocking number. 3/4 of my pension pot wasted in a fraction of the time it took to save it. All those years of fast lane working life and what will I know have to show for it?
This time I really have to stop!
Hi Jean
Thank you for sharing your self and your honesty with us.
Sadly going back to gambling as I did was painful time wasting and scarey.
When I went back to gambling I was asked what was my last emotional trigger.
How can I learn from it.
In time when I was emotionally vulnerable I got to use the telephone list.
Yes for me climbing out of that cold pit of dispair was scarey.
In time I got to learn and understand that the gambling addiction was just the symtoms that I was emotionally vulnerable.
1 day clean for your unhealthy habit is a healthy thing.
Yes that very painful shock of what I had done to my self?
For me today the gambling addiction was a very pain filled wast of time and my energy.
In time I got to say to my self.
Just for today the last thing I want to do is gamble.
This time please look after your self and make much healthier choices.
I have gone back to rooms and been honest about my last bet I had time and time again.
Yet the healthiest place for me even today is attending meetings.
IN the old days I found that I had to go to several meetings per week just to abstain from gambling a few days.
Love peace and healing to you.
Dave L
AKA Dave of Beckenham
Hi yes I think mine is similar its been around 4 year mark and the amount scares the ... out of me.
I try to think about every now and then to remind me of how bad i was,but i try not let it c*****e me .
Hopefully you stay the course now and be done
P
Hi yes I think mine is similar its been around 4 year mark and the amount scares the ... out of me.
I try to think about every now and then to remind me of how bad i was,but i try not let it c*****e me .
Hopefully you stay the course now and be done
P
3 days since gambled
Today I have put financial plan in place for the next 3 years. This is a make or break period in my my life. It will always be a war zone behind me but I can have a future; I can feel the simplicity of money again and be secure.
I have set up prepaid card to allocate myself a living allowance month. Annual bills are covered by savings for the next 3 years (yes, I still do have some left). A trusted friend is going to monitor my account.
I have not got one penny left to gamble with. Some fun was had along the way (5 year slot machine habit) but what an expensive way to have fun!!! Of course, I’m kidding myself that it was fun. Let’s call it for what it is - an addiction.
I know that I am lucky to come out of this addiction with enough rope to climb out of a hole (though will never have financial security I could have had - should have had in return for the fast lane career).
I can still have a good retirement if I live simply, never gamble again and earn what I can when opportunities arise.
Hello,
Firstly, congratulations on taking a significant step toward your recovery by starting a diary. It's a powerful tool for self-reflection and can be a valuable companion on your journey to overcome gambling addiction.
Recognizing the impact of your habits on your financial well-being is a crucial first step. It's understandable to feel a range of emotions, including regret and shock. Remember, this is a moment of clarity and acknowledgment, which is essential for making positive changes.
Your commitment to stopping is a powerful declaration, and each day without gambling is a victory. Here are a few suggestions for your diary:
Express Your Emotions: Use your diary to express your feelings and thoughts. Share the challenges, victories, and moments of self-reflection. This can be a safe space to explore your emotions without judgment.
Set Small Goals: Break down your journey into achievable goals. Celebrate the small victories, whether it's a day, a week, or a month without gambling. This can help build momentum and confidence.
Identify Triggers: Note down situations, emotions, or thoughts that trigger the urge to gamble. Understanding your triggers is crucial for developing coping strategies.
Explore Positive Activities: Document activities or hobbies that bring you joy and fulfillment. Redirecting your focus toward positive pursuits can be a powerful countermeasure against the urge to gamble.
Seek Support: Consider reaching out to support groups, friends, or professionals who can offer guidance and understanding. Sharing your journey with others can provide additional strength and motivation.
Remember, recovery is a process, and setbacks can happen. Be kind to yourself, stay focused on your goals, and celebrate the progress you make. If you find the urge to gamble overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek professional help.
7 days since gambled
My gambling addiction was like a caged animal today. There were three occasions when I had the time and opportunity to go to the bingo hall to play slots. As I could not access any cash, I could not go and the urge backed off. So many other interests and activities anyway. I should not even have time to be wasting in bingo hall.
I used my prepaid card for shopping. My food shop cost £**. Makes me sick to think that I could spend 10x that on a slot session, sometimes even barely enough to touch the sides!
Hopefully urges will be less over time and I experience the true value of money
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