Now or never

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(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

Well. This is it. Im not going to go into all the years that have led upto to this moment or my decision to start a diary. 
A basic overview is im nearly 40 and have been gambling since 10 years old. I have a wife and 3 children and have ‘successfully’ managed to hide my addiction from everyone.

i have always thought i had a hold of things and whilst i have never put my family at financial risk the amounts lost have been gaining momentum and i have now entered a stage where i am taking on extra credit and using savings to fund my addiction. The worst of it is it has taken my time and attention away from the ones i love.

I am going to maintain this diary as a form of motivation, mainly for myself but to hopefully encourage others.

I am determined to not let gambling dictate my life and i refuse to let it take anything else away from me.

This is day 1. 

 
Posted : 1st February 2025 4:03 pm
 sah
(@fk7c3290eh)
Posts: 8
 

Well done for taking the first step.

I feel like I have lost the past 5 years of my life due to gambling overtaking me and turning me into someone I didnt recognise.

i finally reached breaking point 4 days ago and confessed to my eldest daughter. I have been gf for 3 days now, I know I have a long way to go but I am absolutely determined that I will beat this. 
The support on this app is fantastic, I felt so alone and after 3 days feel improvement already from the support shown to me.

Wishing you all the best 

 
Posted : 1st February 2025 10:27 pm
(@dave101)
Posts: 366
 

Well done on making the first step. Keep seeking support 🙌

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 3:44 am
(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

Had an awful night. Kept thinking about gambling. Sunday is a bad day for me as it revolves around placing copious amounts of football bets throughout the day.

Going to take the kids swimming to try and distract these thoughts.

Although i feel stressed and down, i also feel determined to see this day through.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 9:14 am
(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

@fk7c3290eh thankyou. I wish you well in your journey. You have done amazing.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 9:15 am
(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

@dave101 thankyou. One day at a time i suppose.

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 9:15 am
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 6140
Admin
 

Hi

Just wanted to say well done for taking this step to put gambling behind you. I'm sorry to see you struggled last night but be assured this is often a common response.  You are doing absolutely the right thing today by distracting yourself with other activities. I hope you have a great day with your kids. Gamcare is always here to support you 24/7.  If you feel the need to chat anytime please contact us on 0808 8020 133 or through the chat portal or Whatsapp. Take care and all the best for the future.

Best wishes

 

Kevin

Forum Admin

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 10:09 am
(@traceyj)
Posts: 76
 

Hi guys, just want to wish you all the very best in your recovery 

The diaries and chat rooms have been so good for me and certainly helping knowing we're all in the same boat and going through this journey together, with such support and people like us helping each other

I've just reached my 14 day milestone, I'll be honest week 1 was quite difficult,  thoughts of gambling and even dreaming the features have just come in, but it's all normal.....to reassure you all the second week for me was much easier

Financially it'll take time to get straight, but my mental health has much improved

 

Good luck, stay strong!! You've got this

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 4:37 pm
(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

@traceyj thankyou. I have managed to go all today without placing a bet, i know it seems daft but this has been massive for me. I genuinely cant remember the last time this happened. I had so many urges throughout the last 24 hours but was determined to stay on this course.

if i managed it today it means i can do it tomorrow. Feeling positive. 

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 6:50 pm
(@traceyj)
Posts: 76
 

That day 1 is so hard, but every day gets a little easier, you will have ups and downs, but you sound so positive,  so just keep strong!!

Well done, I keep thinking back to my all time low 14 days ago, I never want to feel like that again, my life was gambling, no self care, just gambling, but now my life is different,  l have time to look after myself and my surroundings, which helps with my mental health, all caused by gambling and losing money 

Early days for me, but I'm getting stronger mentally

You're still young you have years of a happy gambling free life

 

Good luck x

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 7:06 pm
(@s2a1vcugoi)
Posts: 6
Topic starter
 

@traceyj Kind words, thankyou and likewise to yourself x

 
Posted : 2nd February 2025 7:09 pm
(@qjadze2rxg)
Posts: 31
 

Just take it a day at a time Antony it will get easier all the best mate 

 
Posted : 3rd February 2025 9:44 am

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