New here, long time lurker.
Don't want to bore you too much about my gambling, I'd be here for hours. Online casinos/poker is my weakness and chasing losses/trying to hit a big win is what makes me lose so much money...I'm sure many of you know the sad story.
My last gamble was..... *drumroll*
Today.
This needs to stop and I'm hoping this diary will break the horrible habit of 8 years 🙁 I'm sick of struggling to pay bills, I'm sick of being in debt. I'd be fairly well off if it wern't for gambling. I work hard to make money and then I blow it in an instant as if it's nothing.
I'm going to be giving this forum a read over but if there any particular diaries out there that you think might be motivating, please let me know.
Laura
Hi Laura - good decision trying to stop. You won't ever win and even if you did would end up losing it again. Winnings are just temporary loans.
As for a diary - take your pick really. They all start with sorry tales and the only ones which have happier conclusions are where people have given up gambling and stuck to it.
I get the impression for you it's more about the buzz than the money. It's expensive entertainment and if you don't make the necessary changes it will destroy you.
Really wish you well - you've had your fun now have real fun by stopping gambling.
Dave
Thank you for your reply Dave.
It's strange that you say that. I've always felt it's about the money but deep down, I KNOW i'm never going to win because withdrawal is almost impossible for me.
Good luck Laura, its good place to start your journey... keep it up! I'm in similar boat as you now racking up the GF days....
Hi Laura, welcome to the forum 🙂
Even for months after I came looking for help, I was still convinced it was a financial problem, for me anyway...I had a happy childhood, good job, youthful good looks, I was just greedy! Now, not so much. I knew then that the measly jackpot amounts I was playing for would barely put a dent in even a day's activities should I be so 'lucky' & breaking even became an excellent day...What kind of mad is that?!? Since being here, I've learned an awful lot about myself, (mostly stuff I didn't want to know) but leaving the gambling behind has made my life simpler & now the fog has lifted, I'm able to work on being a better me!
My top diaries are: duncanmac's Abstain & Maintain, cardhue's Killing the Zombie & oldhamKTF Better to Ramble than Gamble but My life with addiction by day@atime has an awful lot of direction in it too so shouldn't be missed if you really are ready to take this fight on!
We cannot win because we cannot stop...We can choose not to start - ODAAT
Thank you for the wise words ODAAT! I shall definitely check out those diaries too.
Today is officially 1 day GF, although it's pretty easy today because my boyfriend is home and I'm skint...
The real test will be when I start getting money again.
Yeah, I guess its "easier" to stay GF with no money.. but I think its important to prepare yourself for the time when you will have them, don't underestimate it ... be ready!
Read some good tips on this forum. I got paid 8 days ago and I did have second thoughts.. but so far so good... cant wait for next pay check to be honest!
Just checking in to report 2 days GF... keeping myself busy today because Sundays are long and boring, with lots of thoughts of gambling for me usually but staying strong.
Hi laura wishing you well whatever you decide to do with your life . Your at a crossroads now , choose wisely which road to take cos your quality of life will depend on it .
On a selfish note thankyou so much . I just YouTubed Ritchie Valens singing ' Tell Laura I love her ' . Great song , big hit in 1960 when I was just 10 . Wish I'd known than what I know now !
That led me on a nostalgic trip down memory lane . Quite saddening to reflect on the misery I brought upon myself and those around me . But that's what compulsive gambling does to us .
Take care ....stephen
Morning 🙂 Long is good, boring, not so much...You need to find a new hobby, get some goals, smash your gambling (time-money-location) to bits because you only need to take one away & you can't gamble.
Hobbies are difficult right now. I have 2 kids and another on the way so I'm sure I will be very busy again in a couple of months 😉 Thanks for your comments guys.
3 days GF, feeling strong. Got some money today and used it to pay off an outstanding bill right away 🙂
Quick check in to report 4 days GF. Head is already feeling much more clearer, so I need to keep this up!
Haven't been posting here because I failed a week ago.. Lost £100 on a poker site
Having urges again today so reading stories on here to keep me on the right track
Day 7....
Hey Laura
Just though I'd drop by and say hi! Well done for coming back here! I have recently relapsed (on day 2) and feel stronger and like I can beat it this time! Stay strong and keep going.
Athena
Thank you and good luck to you too!
We can do this 🙂
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