I've never admitted to myself that i have a problem with gambling apart from last night when 'it' all came out with my wife and parents, simply because of the debt that i have accumalated. i felt ashamed, embaressed, terribly guilty, but most of all a sense of relief. I have been extremely fortunate that they have all forgiven me and are going to help me get back on the striaght and narrow. I suppose there is no real reason for me gambling personally other than a quick fix for money, and if something dont quite go my way or i cant afford something i will think to myself 'i know i will win that on betting and everything will be okay and i can provide better things for me and my family'
Obviously by saying that i am convincing no one, not even myself, just wrappping it up in cotton wool.
after reading other experiences on this site i really hope this helps me stay gamble free as i do not want to let anyone else down, to be honest i dont enjoy gambling.
Day 1 and counting i suppose, as i have never done this before dont really know what to expect or do other than take it day by day?!! .
Riley
Fella welcome to the forum a place where like minded folk have by and large come to seek a way to arrest the destruction that is the compulsion to gamble.
What I will say is you need to want to stop for you, all the other folk are by products, just stopping to save face with them won't always work.
For me abstinence is the one selfish act that we can gift the folk in our lives, but first and foremost my friend you need to be the one who wants to end the misery.
Reading your opening post took me back to my own gambling life, the many times I went out for a pint of milk or bread only to return with niether and £300 notes lighter in the bank.
the mantra we all have in common is I cannot win because I cannot stop.
The advise that was gifted to me on my first days recovery which still works today two years + on
There is a triangle
TIME-MONEY-LOCATION
Take one away at all times and the punt becomes impossible, my wife took control of the finances, it meant there was money in the bank, when I did spend money, I got reciepts, still do, trust has to be earnt back.
Bottom line is you have a choice to make, me I took twenty years of relentless punting, to the point where I was one day from losing my house, some folk have been less fortunate.
Be honest with yourself
Be kind to yourself
Self eclude/ get blocking software
Write on your diary, read others
They will all help in you making a choice
there is for us a different way to win
I DID WIN BECAUSE I DID STOP
for me today
gambling is a waste of time.
My valuable time is much better spent
I hope the same for you
Duncs stepping forward never back.
keep strong mate , well done for telling everyone , you need to self exclude from every gambling oportiunity there is online sites bookies casinos ect , keep going will see you on day 100
Thanks both, very lucky i have a good family that have helped me out, otherwise i dont know how deep i would have gone.
When i look back now i realise just how selfish i have been, i have given my wife and parents a sort of life no one should have. I believe i am more determined than ever to stop and is my main focus each minute of each day.
feel like ive got a huge weight off my shoulders, i suppose duncs is right stopping is definately a way of winning as i would definately have zero in my bank account .
On friday i would have thought it was gona be a tough weekend, but in all honesty it wasn't i had a really good weekend, time was constantly filled, suppose that madfe it alot easier, still do not have an urge to gamble... yet. just hop i can keep it up
well done mate ye hes right dunc we winning if we dont gamble
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