no win situation

Hi Jeff,

SA spelt out my exact thoughts. My pretend "mind only" bets always lead to trouble in the weeks to follow as they seem to keep my mind conditioned to the train of thought - "Gamble and you could Win".

Also like SA, when ever i started watching people playing my fav slot machine that indicated an instant TRigger that danger was very close. Mind only bets and watching people play slots(even for 30 seconds) are actually 2 of my main Warning Triggers...If they start to occur i sound an alarm... This is just my point of view of course and if something works safely for you then it's all good.

Regards,

Dazza

Hi Jeff,

Hope you managed to stick to your first aid course and avoid the bookies.

Regarding watching racing, as you know from our conversation in my diary I guess I represent the other side and a similar view to you. I think the important thing is that we've decided we don't want to gamble anymore and then find whatever works best for each of us to best allow us to stick to that. Keep up the good work!

Regards,

wtl.

Hi Jeff

Hows things mate. Read you was still watching horse racing? dont know if thats harmful or not, but as you know i gambled 3 weeks ago and the week beforehand i was standing in bookies for no reason, and playing free online casino games. Of course it led me to gambling, tried thinking i was clever and i was in control. Guess i wasnt because gambling came in and took over again! silly old me. another lesson learnt the hard way. been no where near a bookies or online casino since!! coz i know where it will lead, just hope that isnt the case with you watchng racing, might just keep that gambling bug fresh in your mind.

Anyway what ever you are doing seems to be working, long may it continue..cheers.

neil

Hi All

I thank you all for your comments.The majority seem to think that watching racing on tv could make me gamble again.I can see why people think this. I have watched racing on tv over my gambling lifetime and lost a fortune. The last couple of weeks ive watched it and its been different without the stress of wether or not my horse wins.I know that i bet through boredom and i wont be waiting for racing to start on tv ,but if its on and theres nothing else to watch then i watch it .For me it takes away my boredom ,but i know its not for everyone.Infact so far just me and WLT. So i wouldnt try to tell anyone its good advice.Every person will have their own way of dealing with their problem.

Anyway for the first few weeks i was apprehensive of the weekends incase the urges got to much but im starting to look forward to them again .This gamble free life is great,I always thought i was unlucky but its made me realise just how lucky i am. Ive got my girlfriend and kids. i can now make up for all the years ive put gambling before them. thanks all Jeff.

Hi Jeff,

We are all different i agree. If something works for you and helps cure boredom with causing danger of attacks then go for it i say.

Regards,

Dazza

I posted a reply to your note in my diary which I meant to post here. I'll get the hang of this one day!! Anyway hope you had a good night last night and again all the best for the weekend!

wtl.

Hi Jeff

You are absouletly spot on, people choose their own way of dealing with this addiction, some different to others, but if it works for you, keep doing it. Not wanting to drag out this subject of watching horse racing, but i guess its similar to a football fan watching football for the love of the game, without no bets running.

Keep up the great work mate and have a great weekend.

neil

Thanks for posts dazza ,wtl and neil.Im not going to write a lot today ive got a giant hangover ,but it means ive not got any space in my throbbing head for thoughts of gambling lol.Thanks Jeff.

Hi All

Feeling better today i had the mother of all hangovers yesterday.Although stopped me having any thoughts of gambling cant say i would like a permanent hangover though as much as it helped.

I usually play golf today but ive got no game but got a bird show to go to until about 2 o clock so then it will have to be the pub for me (im only going to keep busy HONEST). 2 of my mates play darts and although i play a little im not so good but my mates are top class infact one of them could probably have been up with the best if he didnt let drink get in the way.Anyway i shall go up early and my missus will probably follow later by which time i will be talking s**t in 7 different languages. but it is a great way of keeping busy lol have a great day all Jeff.

Hi Jeff, so busy at the moment but just wanted to say a massive thank you for your support from practically day 1 of my recovery!! Also, really glad to see that your still doing amazing on your road to recovery!!

Speak soon

James

hi jeff

thanks for the post m8

just to keep you updated my tv is now knackered your right m8 there is always something

thanks again

JOHN

Hi All

Ive had no gambling urges for a couple of days now.

What i have felt recentley though is due to the money i am saving ,i am actually getting paid to be gamble free as if its some kind of reward.

I know that ive actually earned the money from work, but ive never actually kept it over the weekend .

Anyway its a good feeling and i hope you are all feeling it .For those of you just starting your recovery it will come. Ive just got to keep reminding myself if i gamble i have nothing. all the best everyone Jeff.

Hi Jeff

I get you when you say about you are actually earning money and its yours, not some bookmaker! Kinda weird eh,maybe a sign that you are living a normal life, its amazing how gambling actually does screw us up, and we only see that when we give up! pleased for you, long may it continue!

hi jeff

well done mate now you are reaping the rewards in your new life

its strange when ever i look back now and think how did i ever live my life in the way i did for so long seems a bit stupid

keep it up mate

stay strong

JOHN

Hi Jeff,

Your diary is an inspirational read indeed. I will continue to follow you over the course of your recovery.

Shame about you being a Man City fan. I'm a huge Evertonian myself. Lescott seems to be struggling a little for form but do not worry he is a stormer!

One of the interesting aspects of your diary is that you are able to continue watching horse racing. I'd love to be able to do this without succumbing to the urge to bet as i do have a genuine passion for NH racing and there is some great racing ahead over the next few months. I'll give it a swerve though i think! GAH!

Keep on being positive Jeff.