My Recovery Diary (last bet 22/04/06 )

Hi Jim,

I've had a nose in your diary before and have just had a long proper read. What started me off was reading the first few entries in Jac's diary and realising how far you had fallen when you made the decision to not gamble another day of your life.

I'm so full of admiration for what you have both achieved together. I hope myself and others on here can draw strength from your journey.

Roll on 4 years!

just a repeat of what curly10 wrote, you people with longer threads are an inspiration for us all to look up to..keep up the superb work

Cheers guys.

I am as determined today as I was on 22/04/06 to stay gambling free. Life is so much better today than it was 4 years ago and i fully intend never to return to those horrible dark days where my only thoughts was about placing another bet.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim (and jac)

Just replying to something i picked up on in an earlier post (think it was by jac???).

It was about replys to you and how people dont reply much because your so far down the line,well i just wanted to say i havent forgot you mate (never would) and how much youve achieved.

I went through a period at GA where i just felt like part of the furniture and felt a bit neglected but me and you both know it doesnt quite work that way does it???

Anyway all the best to you and Jac,glad your keeping the flag flying with abstinence for us GA boys.

Regards,

"" A NEW LIFE ""

Hi Jim just had a scan through your diary fills me with hope that people can and do overcome this terrible addiction. Really good to read ... all the best .B.

Hi Anl

Its the natural order of how a forum such as this works. Most newcomers to the site tend to link up with other people who have joined at the same time. I did the same when I first joined the site.

I still think there is a space for us old timers though.

Jac and I just carry on reading and writing on the site because its somewhere to remind us of what gambling does to me and what it will do again if I let it.

Its a tool I use, along with many others to stay gambling free.

I havn't been to GA for a while since the group I started up folded, but thats ok, I do not believe that GA has to be for life but it is a d**n good tool that helped me to stop gambling and woke me from the nightmare I was living. Without GA, i dont think that i would have stopped. If I, or Jac, ever feel that I am slipping back into it then I will go back to GA like a shot.

I never understand people who say its not for them, GA is so different from group to group. I just take what I want from GA and leave all the other stuff behind. It doesnt matter that I dont agree with everything GA does, I use the things that I do agree with.

Abstinance is the only way for me and I will use or do anything to stay stopped. No excuses.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim (and Jac)

I agree with your last post. I can't understand how people can say G.A. is not for them.

I always remember the sentence someone said to me when I first went.

"Give us 90 days and see if this is for you. And should you decide after the 90 days that G.A. is not for you then that is fine. We will refund you your misery and you can be on your way."

I don't agree with all of what G.A. does and how it is done, but...and it is a big but...who am I to question principles that have worked for so many for over 50 years.

I suppose some people find it dfficult to see that for them to be successful in stopping gambling they have to admit defeat. It's not something that comes natural. But oh how liberating it is once you have. By admitting defeat I win the battle.....

Love to you both

YSIR

Charly/Sabine

Hi Jim,

I think it is really important that you keep updating this diary and that it is accesible for others to read.

I know when i signed up here i spent hours reading diaries that were on the front page of the diary section. It is so important to see an inspiring story such as yours as it gives hope that it really is possible to put gambling behind you.

It will soon be 4 years for you Jim. Having done 57 days that seems a lifetime away. But if you can do it Jim then so can I.

Jim

I first logged onto your diary on 7/9/06 and posted to you.

I am in my umpteenth effort to kick this but can only say how high my admiration is of you. Partly because of your strength that you have shown in your determination to beat this disease but also that you still support Torquay!!!-only kidding. What you have done and continue to do is such an inspiration to us mortals. I can only say well done and god bless for what you have achieved and how you have been an inspiration to others.

Stumper

Well I hope I didnt go over the top in chat tonight but I have very strong views and felt that they should be aired.

This addiction is a very destuctive addiction and should be treated with the respect it deserves.

I truly believe that a compulsive gambler cannot gamble responsivly again. I have seen no sign of anyone being successful when trying to control there gambling.

Newcomers to this site tend to be devastated at what has happened to them and need to be shown that there is a way out, they do not need to be encouraged to carry on gambling.

If I have upset anyone with my views then sorry but tough...I needed to say what I said.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

I enjoyed hearing your views tonight jim, i think if anyone gets their back up it is because you are hitting a raw nerve and telling them something they dont want to hear.

I think people in chat tonight were at different stages of not only recovery, but acceptance. I am still struggling to accept that something I enjoyed so much can not be part of my life at all any more. I cant control my gambling behaviour therefore I cant gamble period. I think that for some, they are not ready to hear that yet.

Also, I think it is threatening to hear a different perspective from someone who has sustained a long term recovery. When you are in early recovery, you dont yet know what is best for you and it would be handy if it was what you are already doing!

Thanks, I found your input valuable.

f x

Hi Jim,

I dont attend chat but quite agree with your latest post, if you have a gambling problem I dont think it can be controlled long term, just need to draw a line and give up. Everytime I or one of my friends trys controlled gambling it ends up in the same old mess. People who chase their losses cannot control their gambling.

Being complacent is nearly always the downfall of recovering gamblers. The one little bet wont hurt as I am over it now attitude is doomed to fail I am afraid.

JimDazzler

Hi Gull

I dont do the chat.amd i dont really know what has been said ,but ive just read your last post and its great to see the a seasoned campaigner like youself is so concerned about the newcomers. I am one of those that cant bet at all. I know it will just lead to me ruin again.I will still be posting on here in years to come like yourself gamblefree.Jeff.

Ps you can show everyone that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for everyones posts.

Life without gambling is so much better than it was with gambling in it and i hope my passion for a gambling free life, both for me and others will never die.

Jim (last bet 22/04/06)

Hi Jim,

Thanks for your message. Don't worry you didn't upset me. I'm full of admiration for what you have achieved and i will listen to every word of advice you have to offer. I need help with beating this addiction and i have found this site to be invaluable.

There were one or two comments made in chat last night (not from you) that i found to be a little sneering that is all.

Thanks again for the message it is much appreciated. I'm looking forward to congratulating you on being 4 years gamble free come April.