No more

John64.

Fella, my advice get straight into the bookmakers today, take your wallet, have it full of passport photos and self exclude.

Repeat the same act every time you see a bookies,treat yourself to the therapy.

I went 18 months without a punt,I went to GA, used the forum relentlessly but failed to self exclude,believing I was stronger than that.

Two years plus today since my last punt I truly know the value in self exclusion.

Why did you gamble after prolonged abstinence?

For me it was the fact that I didn't shut the door, deep inside addiction was still controlling, I secretly wanted to live there again,the opportunity manifested itself, a temporary shortage of funds and rather than opening up to the world I ran into the awaiting arms of addiction.

That last punt on 31/10/2013 taught me a priceless lesson.

There is no cure or half measures with recovery.

Take all it offers fella, by a commitment to recovery we really do win.

Abstain and maintain

Duncs stepping forward never back.

Day 8, really appreciate all the positive words from everyone, i will not gamble again and will, never give myself the opportunity to gamble again by using the triangle rule, suzaane has been so supportive which i will never forget,

Hi John,

My support has always been there and always will be :)) We have both been on this recovery journey for a while now.

Great to see you staying strong and positive, that glimpse has made you a stronger and wiser person,

Suzanne xxx

Need to stay strong and on top of this, no excuses i can not win because i can not stop, do not destroy everything you have, you have a lovely wife, and lovely children, lets not spoil everything

Well done John,

Keep strong and stay focused, you can do this ,

Suzanne xxx

Thanks as always Suzanne ! Must not gamble, do not test myself, remember the triangle rule, dont gamble

Hi John, firstly well done on such a long period of no gambling! I did the same and slipped up after 800 odd days. Don't get too down on yourself and remind yourself of your own words, i cannot win because i cannot stop. Lets go past the last milestone and aim for a gamble free future.

Cant believe how stupid i have been, why go 500 days and then gamble, really need to never do it again, i have too much to lose, i must always remember that i can't control it its never just a tenner its always every single penny i have on me, i must take one day at a time and never ever set foot in a bookies again, if anyone has a discussion about gambling i must leave the room, i can not win because i can now stop

Hi John,

Sorry to read you are still in the grip of it,you need to fight this 100% now:) where are your barriers? Your triangle needs to be broken to get you back on track my friend, You are not back at the beginning of your recovery, but hard choices have to be made again, and maybe changes now in your recovery.

This addiction lies deep in us no matter how many days we have abstained,

Don't be too hard on yourself, going over 500 days is great, don't lose sight of that and don't lose sight of you.

Sending you strong and determined thoughts to stay back on track.

Suzanne xxx

Hi John,

I was just 2 weeks behind you on this rocky road to Recovery and we both managed to slip back into it after such a long stretch. Good for you for telling the truth! I hate those first few days/weeks of starting over again but we can get through this and go on to better things. It was inevitable that I would return to gambling. I had never accepted I could never gamble again. I believed I could control it if I was off it long enough. That is gone out the window. I have been mourning the fact I can never gamble again. It might seem odd to some people but not to me. Once the mourning stage is over, I WANT to remain gamble free for the rest of my life. That will make the difference to my Recovery this time. I proved I can live without it and can do it again. Forgive yourself John and be very proud of all those days you didn't gamble. Yes we both hit a bad patch but not everyone quits easily. We can start over together. Look after yourself and know you are not alone on this rocky road to Recovery. Suzy

Day 2 i must not gamble thanks Suzy and Suzanne for your kind words, it means the world to me, it is very hard but i can do this !

Im Day 3 John so in the same boat. Keep the faith and I'll track your progress. Let me know if you ever want to chat - just post me anyway. My diary is 'The promise'

Day 3, had a really nice day yesterday, even though i am still being vigilant it is good to forget and just enjoy the day, must not gamble

Well done John,

Keep strong and positive

Suzanne xxx

Hi John, hope you are doing well & looking forward to a good xmas. Suzy