My recovery diary

Dear Elvis,

as with any situation made up of individuals, you'll get conflicting advice. Ultimately, everyone is speaking from their own experiences and trying to help in their own way. They do not want to see others succumb to the pitfalls they did and feel a sense of responsbility to drag someone back from the edge of the cliff they have fallen off themselves. But, TBH, we are all going to make mistakes on the journey to recovery and while journeys may have similarities, they will also have individual differences. The mistakes we make in recovery, as long as we learn from them, are a step closer to success. Well done on completing 3 days of freedom, you are on your way!

At the end of the day Elvis it's up to you what you decide to do to move forward. I agree with LightSoul about conflicting advice but I think most people who use this forum have good intentions.

There are lots of options available to you and you can cherry-pick advice. Who knows - maybe in the future you'll change your mind about GA meetings which is absolutely fine in my opinion.

Making the decision to stop and commiting to it in your way day by day is the most important thing in my view.

Best wishes, Phil.

Day 4

Thanks for the kind words

I agree everyone is different,

I feel good today, I honestly dont feel an urge to put a bet on but im not going to kid myself that ive won. its only my 4th day. I need to keep myself occupied today.

Since I joined this forum I am staggered by how many of us there is with this addiction.

Day 5

in the house all day today, dont have much to do to keep busy.

I think about gambling and its all negative thoughts. I dont want to get back into that cycle again. Losing money, pretending I can win it back, losing more and feeling horrible for a week after!

Tomorrow I am going to work with a clear mind. Usually my whole day at work is ruined because all I can think about is the money I have lost.

I have booked a week in Spain for my family. I cant wait.

Day 6

Going to work, I feel tired but at least today I wont be worrying about how much money I have lost!

1 day at a time.

Day 7

7th day of being gamble free!

Day 8

The difference in my self esteem even after 8 days is huge. Gamecare forums and nonline chat option have helped me so much.

1 day at a time but feel im getting there.

fingers crossed!

hey...thanks for your post on my diary and well done on the 8 days 🙂 i would just advise you not to depend on willpower alone....it will not work. Give up all access to bank cards/cash and just have enough cash to get you through the week.....feels a terrifying thought at the beginnin but actually isn't that bad! Good luck xx

I am in the process of closing my bank account and having no debit card.

I woke up today after a rest in the afternoon and I had a real strong strong urge to gamble. I managed to fight it. It felt awful and opened my eyes again to how paunful and difficult this is!

Day 9

Really happy I have made it to this point but need to keep on going. Gamecare has been amazing!

Day 10

Going to have to find a new hobby because as payday looms this Friday all I can think about is putting money into a casino.

Day 11

Tomorrow is my ultimate test as its payday, If I can not gamble tomorrow it will be a huge step for me as I will have £3000 in my account.

Day 12

payday is today, I wont gamble!