Today is the 10th of april, I am a football betting addict.
Today is the day of a new beginning, I have been through some terrible times gambling and I want to stop. This is my diary. Over the years I have lost thousands, and I have been lucky through being bailed out by parents who have no idea of my problem. I want to focus on other things in my life, my guitar, my friends, my job that I love.
I am currentally, £200 deep into my £500 overdraft through football. Dont get paid till end of this month, things need to change and I know it be fast but I am going to try and try.
Alex
Welcome to the diaries Alex.
I believe it's a good place to be because you can write down all aspects of your recovery and how you are feeling.
You are amongst like minded people who can empathise with your gambling issues. There is plenty of support and advice available both from GamCare and your fellow travellers.
It takes courage, good insight and understanding to accept that one is a compulsive gambler. It is a bitter pill to swallow and part of us will rebel against our efforts to be gamble free. We need to be honest, tenacious and brave if we are to overcome the gambling urges and win back our freedom.
I cannot over stress the magnitude of your decision to stop gambling. It is a life saving mission and the choices you make will have a profound effect on your future wellbeing.
A compulsive gambler "in recovery" can enjoy all the good things in life.
A compulsive gambler "in action" will quite likely have a miserable existence. It could well result in isolation - relationship breakdowns - job losses - anxiety - depression - guilt - loneliness - self loathing - occasional brief periods of manic jubilation - suicide attempts - prison. (And that's all on a good day lol)
Wishing you well...stephen
Thanks stephen.
For your kind words, When I was at work today I was thinking about what football matches to bet on this evening, but I controlled my urges and when I left work I didnt. I did not place a bet. I want to go to bed tonight, knowing I didnt bet of the random german leauge macthes I was going to bet on. I want to pay off my overdraft of £500 this month. I really want to be more positive about life, even when somtimes I feel alone, depressed and bored.
Alex-AC
Today is 11th April,
I have not gambled today, and I feel proud. there was football matches for me to bet on. But I didnt. First full day of no gambling.
Today is april 12th. I placed a bet. Back to day one tomorrow. urgh, its hard! I will begin again, and control my urges and try and forget about betting.
Today is april 12th, and I am thinking about what else I can fix my mind and time on. And not gambling. I want this to stop.
Hello Alex-AC,
It has been a few days since you posted, perhaps you're busy with life away from the forum just now.
It is good that you are wondering about where you'd like to spend your time, attention and money, as you choose to move away from gambling. Scheduling your time with other activities is a common recovery method, to displace the preoccupation with gambling. Rather than seeing recovery as only abstaining from gambling, many of our forum members choose to see their recovery as an opportunity to create more balance in their life, and to engage in activities that bring them a deeper and more lasting satisfaction, or to involve themselves in interests or projects that feel more genuinely rewarding, purposeful or meaningful. For some it is an opportunity to repair relationships or form new connections, or to pick up neglected hobbies or to explore new activities.
GamCare offers free therapy sessions to support recovery from problem gambling, if you'd like that kind of confidential and professional support, you can call us on 0808 8020 133 for more details.
Take care,
Forum admin.
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