Today is a good day to change.
I contemplated rejoining under a new profile but settled for a new diary instead.
My name is Stephen and i have had a gambling problem for 11 years.
I have been on and off this site for long time.
Gambling has been more important to me than friends and family. Over the course of the 11 year gambling i have lost any friends and my relationship with my family is non existant. These were at a result of my actions throughout my gambling. I have had no interest in friends or women for a long time.
Even though i spend a lot of time on my own im not happy to be in my own company and dont like myself.
Im two days free from a bet. What is changed this time is that i have a goal. I was invited to a stags in benidorm in June. When i was free from gambling in january i bought the tickets so theres no backing out. Its my cousin's stag. I havent spoken to the group in years but this was through my actions and it would be nice to see everyone again.
I want to give up gambling and start to learn what life is like without a bet.
Hi Stephen , congratulations on being 2 days gamble free and welcome back to recovery . Best wishes my friend !
Always pleased to see you post Stephen, because it means you have not given up on giving up, :))
Lovely goal to aim for, keep it at the front when you get those hideous gambling thoughts.
Rooting for you as always.
Suzanne xxx
Thanks Alan and Suzanne as always.
Looking for advice about my bank card and this is the best place to ask. I dont have anyone to give my card too. What do people do in this situation? I have set up a standing order to pit monies in a savings account so thats one thing, im just wondering what experience other people have in placing a barrier over money?
Day 3 checking into my diary.
Nothing too exciting today. Walk to work, work and the gym. Will walk home and enjoy the last few mins of sunlight.
Gambling wise my moods have been all over the place. Spent money on food for the month yesterday instead of gambling so thats a very good start.
Hi Stephen, day 3 nice one mate , I'm a long term gambler too , I'm on day 9 now . Keep going mate its good to have a goal stay g f and you'll get there . Loz
Hi Stephen , with ref the bank card , you could always tell the bank you've lost it , order a new one and scratch the 3 digit security number off without writing it down , just a thought ?
Shopping in for the month that's definitely progress:)), was gong to suggest what Alan has said, get a new one and rub the 3 numbers off on the back.you could also ask for a new PIN number and then bin it when it arrives, every little helps.
Keep strong and keep safe.
Suzanne xxx
Day 4 checking in.
Thanks for the advice and support. My gambling has been in the bookies because I'm blocked from every gambling website online. So from reading the suggestions id be better off getting a new pin, getting money to do me for the month and then bin the card. I have set up a standing order so that money goes in a bank account .
Today was a good day. Starting to get a new routine going again with the gym. I naturally feel better after exercise and its defo something I want to focus on.
My big problem when it comes to gambling is that I'm guilty of daydreaming ; then having a nose at sites that give odds. So I really need to stay away from looking at odds and avoiding talk of gambling
Day 5 checking in.
its a beautiful sunny day in Dublin and im delighted. Gonna walk home from work today and enjoy it.
Got some hassle from the boss today, but im not going to engage with that behaviour and lose focus of my goals.
Today im in great form, i have nothing but you dont need anything to be happy.
Have a good day everyone. Life can get better if you allow it.
Good strong positive post,
Life is sooo much better when we don't gamble, for one we gat a clear head :)))
Keep going and keep positive
Suzanne xxx
Keep it going Stephen . As you say , you dont need anything too be happy ... only for us all to be gamble free
well done m8 and GL
Hi Stephen
Welcome back to the forum. You were asking about what to do with your bank card. You might find this article from the Money Advice Service interesting - it's about using bank accounts to separate bills and spending money.
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/managing-your-money-using-the-jam-jar-approach
Keep posting
Forum Admin
Thanks for the messages, thanks Gamcare ill read that article on my lunch break.
Day 9 checking in, Ive realised that wanting to give up gambling is not enough. I have to train my brain to be much more positive about what im doing. Letting go of the past.
I found exercise a great way to clear my mind over the weekend and now that its greater brighter ill be doing a lot more of that.
Feeling good, im doing something which will greatly help my life. And thats a good feeling.
Day 10 checking into my diary.
It's been really sunny the last few days in Dublin and its defo helped my mood. I do a lot of walking so it's nice to enjoy the weather. And its free.
Gambling wise I'm feeling good about everything. I've chosen to ignore this week. I know everyone has different thoughts on this week. Just be safe.
I find my brain wants to go back to be in depressive mood so it's great I'm fighting that and having a different attitude to life.
Oh and an Easter egg on a Tuesday night watching first dates is a better life than gambling x
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.
