Ready to start living again

Hi Almisty,

Just wanted to say well done for starting a recovery diary, and I hope you'll find this a supportive place and continue posting. Well done also for self-excluding from the sites you use; have you thought about downloading any blocking software in case you get tempted again? Some folks find that programs like Gamblock, Betfilter, or Gamban are really useful, so maybe you could Google those and see what you think. And what about getting some group support through GA, or maybe getting some individual counselling? That could give you some much needed support, and could also help you work on ways to manage your urges and have a stronger recovery. Feel free to get in touch with us through the Helpline or Netline and we could point you in the direction for that.

I can imagine right now you're really having to "white knuckle" it to avoid gambling, but remember that this is very early days and it will get easier. Think positive thoughts, and tell yourself that you CAN do this, and that since so many people on this forum have been successful in refraining from gambling for a very long time, there's no reason why you wouldn't be able to, as well. If you are determined to quit gambling and have an easier, more peaceful life, you will eventually succeed if you don't give up. Take every day as an opportunity to move towards the life you want, and think about how you can protect yourself from gambling.

Finally, if your debts are a concern then you might find some help from agencies like Stepchange or Payplan. A lot of folks on this forum have found them to be a way to make things more manageable, so it might be worth looking into.

Hang in there, and I hope this helps. Keep posting and let us know how you're doing.

Travis

Hi Almisty and welcome to the forum :))

By the look of your date youv'e been here before ? so probably know all the info regarding blocks and self exclusions but if not then just ask :))

It's a big chunk of money lost through gambling and to be honest you were fortunate it wasn't more due to chasing your losses and that's really the thing you have to come to terms with if you want to stay gamble free and move on .

You have to let it all go and write it off , put it down to an expensive life lesson in how not to invest your hard earned money , if you let go of it then there's really no need to get sucked back in to chasing it again is there ? .

It's good that your partner knows , a shame that you couldn't have told her before it got this bad but the point is she now knows and is there to keep an eye on you and hopefully support you as well , gambling thrives on secrecy so iyt being out in the open means it can no longer hide away with just you for company .

Debt's can be repaid in time and relationships mended and trust rebuilt and in order to succeed you have to be totally commited to stopping and remaining stopped and a lot of that is down to you and how much you really want to , so willpower's gonna play a big part .

Were all here to support each other , which is why you need to keep this place close to record your progress , seek advice when needed and occasionally have a good old rant when the need arises , there's no judgement on here just honesty ( which sometimes is not well received ) but we all know how you feel right now , which is usually what we really need :))

I'm sure we'll catch up again at some point if your planning on sticking around , so I'll wish you well for now and speak to you soon .

Best wishes Alan

Hi Almisty, welcome to the site. You've made the first huge step by coming on here and asking for help and encouragement, so good for you. We are all here to help, support and encourage each other. I agree with Alab, you do need to forget about monies lost now and stay clear of trying to win you losses back so to speak, as most of us know it always ends badly. Great you've started to pay your debt down, just remind yourself it won't be paid over night ( something I struggle with, as I want it paid off now, but know it's not possible at the moment) perhaps read a few dairies on here to help motivate you. Good luck and keep updating. Take Care. Cx

Thank you guys had a really tough day today but managed it . One day down just woke up now been dreaming about having another big win. Wish I can stop feeling like this I hate it . I work evenings so can't get to a community group but will keep posting on here .

Ok so had free bingo at Mecca that's got to be used by Monday my friend wants me to go but I haven't told her about what has happened how do I tell her I can't go ? I dare ask my boyfriend if I can go as I won't be spending any money what do you guys think please help me finding it hard

Be honest and tell her you have a problem with it would be my answer , the truth shall set you free, you can't control your gambling so how do you think your going to cope sitting in a bingo hall , youv'e been here 2 day's do you think your ok to go ?

Can't see your fiance being over the moon either considering what he's just found out , this may sound harsh but your just looking for the ok to gamble again !

Your choice as always ?