My Recovery Diary

Hi Boyfromspace. You've done the right thing. Avoid the tennis. I used to gamble heavily on golf. Stopped watching. Started playing instead. It's best to talk buy you're in the right place here. Keep the diary going. Read others. Post too. You're not alone. You can get better. It takes time, belief and commitment. Forget the losses, let it go.You can do this. Stay strong, stay positive.

Goodnight. Sleep well.

Againstnature.

Thanks againstnature for your encouraging words.

I am reflecting upon the triggers which make me want to gamble in the hope I can recover from this illness.

Well, today is day one of the journey to recovery...

Good luck on your new journey Boyfromspace.

Maybe take up new hobbies. Do you find you can still watch sport without having a bet on it?

Any time you feel like having a bet, take a bit of time out and distract yourself by doing something else. It doesn't have to be anything interesting, but it helps take your mind off betting.

Thanks Martin67 for your kind words.

It's probably too early to find out if I can still watch a tennis match without having the urge to place a bet.

In terms of triggers, I have identified these as stress, boredom and depression.

Half way through day one...

Hi Boy from space

I agree on the triggers most of it is stress and lot of free time.

Keep posting.

Good luck.

Thanks Imran.

Well, I made it through days 1&2 without any major urges.

Despite my self-exclusion, I received 2 different emails from on-line bookmakers informing me of their latest offers. One was easy to unsubscribe whilst the other was unsolicited. No matter how many times I attempt to unsubscribe I still receive these mailings from companies I've never joined or used.

Let's see what day 3 brings...

Enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine over the last few days to pass time.

I'm not much of an alcohol drinker so hope I'm not substituting drink for gambling !

Day 4 uneventful...

Suffered a prolapsed disc to my back which meant I made it through days 5 & 6 without even thinking about gambling !

Just checking in and happy to write that it's been two weeks gamble free !

It's now approximately 7 weeks since I last gambled. I've not had any major urges which is good. Watching my favourite sport (tennis) on tv without having a betting interest will be my next challenge.

Hi - Just wanted to say congratulations on your seven weeks of sanity. Well done, and I hope your journey remains trouble-free. Keep going!

Joanna