My attempt at a gamble free life

Very similar tale to my own. Living a double life is draining and it's not fun. But I've been doing it for ages. Only in early stages after most recent relapse so need to stay on track. Good luck and I'll look out for you. Get to 10 days as a starter.

Thanks for the comment change.

Must say, I woke up this morning and checked the tennis that is on. Tempted to have a bet but trying to abstain. Think it's gonna be a long road.. Anyway, here's to a normal day and a good night's sleep.

Day 1 has begun.

Morning black, it's all about baby steps and making concious decisions everyday.....choose today to be the day that you will not live that double life, don't worry about tomorrow, today is the day that makes a difference.

Take every day as it comes, try and get into a routine of not looking at what's going on. Delete betting apps/flashscores etc, or just try not to look at odds. I still look at football scores if I'm not watching the match but don't click the odds tab. Might seem difficult but it will be worth it.

Good luck

Got to get out the routine Black. It's habit that needs to change. Don't check the fixtures or scores for a day. Then try 2 days and then a week etc.

Hi Black, your post really sounds so familiar to me. Watching sport like football, tennis or whatever and managing to enjoy it without thinking about betting on it is very, very hard. That is what the betting companies want to happen to us and and unfortunately it is an easy trap to fall into. I struggled even to watch my own team playing without putting something on it. I guess that's something we need to rewire in our brains. Good luck to you on your recovery.

Well, day two and failed already.. Deposited £100 and won a few bets but lost a big one, now down to £50 and will cash out but I feel sick.. Pathetic I couldn't last 2 days, really at a low ebb. I need that £50 so will cash it out but so gutted as I had it up to £168 but just spunked most of it.

why did I even deposit the money? I needed that buzz, it's like my own life isn't enough.

for f***s sake, I really do hate my life sometimes. Well, hate myself.. Not my life.

back to square 1.

Brilliant.

Hi Black... don't want to sound harsh but you've got to last longer than 2 days! That's barely even an attempt. You need to get barriers in place as your willpower isn't going to work. Don't blame it on the buzz... it's something deeper and you probably need some professional help to work it out. Good luck pal but you've got to try harder than 2 days!

Hi Black . you said you were gutted as you got it up to 168 ! .Sorry mate but the only way forward is to accept what youve lost has gone for good . If your going to chase your losses , you'll never break free . Do what youve been advised and put all the blocks in place ,, so it at least makes it a bit harder mate ? . Then find some willpower and give yourself the life you want and deserve .. You can do it , you just have to want to !!

Hi Black.

I'm sure you do want to stop & you are trying & you have tried to find some willpower. It would seem you are struggling to do this alone. Why not try your local GA meeting, there you will find people who have walked in your shoes and have found a solution to their illness a day at a time. Your cycle of addiction will be very difficult to break unless you commit to trying a new way of approaching the situation you find yourself in. It is very difficult to solve a problem with the same mind that created it. So give yourself the best opportunity & reach out to the help available to you.

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Hi Black... how you doing? Was thinking about you this morning. Hope you're well. Some good advice from the previous posters there. Stay strong and get some blocks to stop making it possible to gamble.

Well, it's been a while since I was here. Yup, you've guessed right.. been gambling on and off for the last couple of weeks. With pretty disastrous results. Feels like I have hit rock bottom in terms how I feel, blown a load of money that has left things pretty tight for the rest of the month.

Feel sick with it all. Also pretty embarrased that I am back here now, when I feel like this, as opposed when I should be on a good track with things and gamble free.

I think you guys are right. I don't want to give up, I lasted one day and I was back gambling and now I've been a big binge for a couple of weeks and blown it pretty much all.

I really need to take stock of what I want, where I am heading and how to achieve what I want.

Off to bed now, try to sleep next my to my wife who doesnt suspect a thing while I wrestle with the torment and feeling of being a compulsive gambler.

On day three of no gambling and so far good, must admit it's not been easy but I've felt muchore productive at work today knowing I'm not waiting on a bet or constantly checking livescores and sports tips.

trying to focus on the positive things.

aldo making an appointment with doctor today to see if he can recommend a counsellor or give me some advice.

Hi black,

​I would consider giving counselling a try. Its been a great help for me in understanding the reasons why I became a compulsory gambler in the first place. I would get in touch with gamcare and they can refer you for one to one counselling without charge. Good luck

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