I explained my story in the new members forum last night.
To cut a long story short, I have been secretly gambling for about 4 or 5 years now and have lost all of my savings for my mortgage. I need to stop for myself most importantly, but also my other half and family before it gets even worse. Luckily I'm not in any debt and fairly young so I can start a fresh from here and get back on track with hard work.
Today I began the first day of the rest of my life (gamble free). I'm going to update this hopefully every day to use it as motivation to prove to myself that I am progressing well. I want to be able to put a success story in a years time about how I recovered and ending up getting that house me and my girlfriend dreamt of.
Day 1: Today went ok. Feel sick at the thought of gambling after losing my savings last night. I tried to keep my mind occupied on other things and for the most part I did. I'm back in work tomorrow so that should help.
Day 2: Today was fine. I actually think I feel better than when I had more money because I'm actively doing something about it and excited for my future, albeit I'm only 2 days in. Still haven't told the other half. Need to find the right time.
Day 3: Been at work most of today so mind has been occupied. Easy day today. The real challenges (days off and days after pay day) are still ahead. So far so good.
Day 4 & 5: Still going well. Keeping busy is key. Very positive at the minute!
Well done! You're doing great and sounds like you've got great motivation for doing this. But...please make sure you've got things in place so that at a moment of weakness you can't gamble. Self exclude everywhere and make sure you don't have access to funds. (Trust me, I messed up big time when funds became available) wishing you all the best. Xxx
Day 6,7,8,9,10 & 11: Still completely gamble free! Into double figures now which I'm proud of.
Thanks for your comment being present. That will be the hardest test after I get paid at the end of the month. I'm confident I can do it though as I feel highly motivated at the minute.
Day 12: Still going. Feeling good..
Day 13 & 14: Progress going really well. 2 weeks done! Got to keep going..
Hi and well done....having been through the secretive gambling thing like you, just wanted to say tell your OH sooner rather than later. You'll feel better and have help to prevent you slipping, the accountability/acceptance helps in the long run. When I first came here was very resistant to doing this but being clean never lasted very long until I confessed all - I didn't want to hear that advice but it was absolutely right.
Take care W xx
Day 15, 16, 17 & 18: Still going! Had 4 days off work and managed to get through with relative ease even with loads of football on. Had a couple of bad thoughts come back about what I'd done but just trying to put those aside and look at the positives and the future.
Thanks W. I know I need to tell her but I want to prove I'm doing something about it before telling her so she knows I'm serious about stopping this time. You're right in what you're saying though. Thanks!
Day 19: Another day, more success 🙂
Day 20 & 21: 3 weeks through now and no bad news to report. Really proud of myself. Must keep going, let's turn 3 weeks into 3 months.
You're d​oing great INH13... Exactly the same days gamble free as myself! Let's both keep it up and make it to a month!
​Keep it up,
​Den.
Well done so far! Good for you! Stay strong c x
Thanks for the messages of support! Well done Denzil, let's make sure we don't slip.
Day 22, 23 & 24: 3 good days. Was tempted to put a fiver on the football at weekend but thought what's the point?! Get paid on Wednesday so that will be the toughest challenge yet.
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.
