Hi Everyone my names Paul,
I've been posting on the new members forum for a few weeks now but thought I would chart my progress here in the correct place. A few of you will know my story but I will give a very brief synopsis of my background so far.
I've been gambling since around the age of 16 but only small bets on horses/football and this would mainly be a weekend thing not everyday. This has never been a problem over the years but around 2 years ago I got roped in to online casino/slots betting. I signed up as I saw a good bonus offer and found myself compelled to keep betting. I have lost around 14k in 18 months purely on online gambling and I consider myself an intelligent guy with a good job & great family. I just couldn't believe I got suckered into this way of life, spending my days & night just pressing a button over and over again while losing thousands.
I made a choice exactly 31 days ago to stop betting and to self exclude from online betting as I never go to betting shops so only online betting for me is the problem. I joined Gamcare and have found the forums a massive help & spoke to some fantastic people on here. I've also signed up for 1-1 counciling with my first session starting on Wednesday. I feel totally confident I will beat this and get back to how I used to be. I've not had a single urge to bet in the last month and I'm 100% positive I will never go back there with the steps I've taken and my attitude going forward. Even though I have accumulated credit card debts of 14k over the last 18 months I've already paid back 4K and will have no problem paying the rest back over the next 18 months.
Please feel free to chat or comment as I will keep this updated on a regular basis and all your support means a lot!! I appreciate everyone on here and as I said before I've found these forums a big help in my ongoing recovery from this horrible addiction.
Thankyou
Paul
Welcome to the dark side brother
It's all downhill from here lol
Many will relate to there demise by online slot. Me I guess I'm old fashioned and preferred the physical style slot. From reading stories in the forum for a while now I imagine online gambling is potent stuff. Gambling addiction effects people from all walks of life, it knows no boundaries.
It's good to see you feeling confident and you're chomping your way through your debts.
Hopefully the counselling will give you the answer's you've been looking for. All the best bud
Deano
From one Paul to another wishing you all the best . You've done really well to get a month under your belt . Make sure you keep on top of it - if you need motivation then believe me don't carry on or you will end up even further in debt like me . You've got a fantastic chance to turn your life around in a relatively short space of time (mine will be 50k over 6 years) so grab it with both hands . All the best
Thanks Deano & Paul for your kind words!!! I fully intend to grab this opportunity to stay GF and not ever go back! Life is so much better without gambling it really is, but when your in a vicious cycle of betting & chasing the losses you just can't see it.
Must be something about Pauls'
Another one here wishing you every success 🙂
Welcome to Paul club mate!! 🙂 thanks very much!!
I'm a Phil which is kind of similar to a Paul so can I be an honourary member of the Paul club? 🙂
Of course you can Phil!!! Welcome on board mate.
Bset of luck Paul on your journey. It is lovely to see you around chat. I have a good feeling that you will do this with style.
Kindest regards
Julie
That's really nice of you to say Julie!! Really appreciate your comments:)
Thank you for accepting my "membership"!. All the best, Phil
No problem Phil! Nice to have you onboard 🙂
Another good GF day and have now completed 31 days (a whole calendar month) including payday and have not even thought about gambling. I actually get up now in the morning and look forward to the day. Making plans for the future, holiday, savings etc. It's amazing when you finally hit your own personal rock bottom & decide enough is enough you really can have a better life and kick this horrible addiction but you have to want it so bad & work at it everyday to never go back.
Be strong everyone!
Paul
Another successful day in Gamble Free City.
Take Care.
Julie x
Congratulations on hitting that big milestone.
Isn't it amazing how such a short space of time can drastically improve our lives? Great to see so many people on here doing so well working to pull themselves out of this mess.
Keep going with everything.
Thanks Adam, appreciate your comments mate!!
Totally agree that it's so good seeing so many people on here making the decision that enough is enough & changing their lives for the better!!
Paul
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