Reddy to Quit for Good!

Hi Reddy,

You can find a list of GA meeting on the Gamblers Anonymous website http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/

If you need any more support do get in touch with one of our advisors on our Freephone Helpline or Netline, both lines are open from 8am to midnight.

We can also offer you one to one counselling sessions if you feel you need that extra support, we have offices across the country and it's free of charge.

Warm wishes

Forum Admin

Thanks admin.

Struggling again tonight to not sucombe to temptation. Away with work and a casino accross the road. Plus loads of ads about betting as per while watching the football!! Too many constant reminders driving me crazy!

265 days!

I'm going to get that year! Still bothers me a little bit but I guess I got out when I needed too.

R

V well done for staying gf, Reddy, keep up the good work. Would you consider cementing your efforts with counselling and meetings if you're not already doing so?

BW,

CW

Hi CW,

Looked into GA as I think it will be worth it because I have made progress and don't want to loose it all in a short period of madness that could follow.

The meeting place isn't all that far from my gym so I can't blame the inconvenience factor anymore...definitely going to try and get to one soon. 2hrs long tho that's a bit daunting is it not?

It goes in the blink of an eye Reddy & I imagine there will be a break halfway through like there has been @ the couple of meetings I have been to!

Maybe worth keeping the number for SENSE handy: 0800 294 2060 for next time you go away. You can phone & exclude from all land based establishments in the area you are travelling to which should help reduce temptation!

You are doing great but the more tools you use to distance yourself from that moment of madness that sucks so many back in, the safer you will be - ODAAT

Hi ODAAT & Reddy

Just a quick clarification - the number ODAAT posted (0800 294 2060) is for MOSES the betting shop self exclusion helpline. SENSE is the casino self exclusion scheme. Reddy, it sounds as though it's the thought of the casino that's bothering you. It's possible to join SENSE and be banned in all casinos in the UK by asking in any casino, so you could do that before you go. If you don't want to visit a casino to do it, you can write to any casino to get the process started but it will take longer as the casino will have to contact you to verify your identity. Find out more here: http://www.playingsafe.org.uk/sense-information.

Best wishes

Forum Admin

Oops, I was told that the other night too...Memory like a goldfish! Soz Reddy.

Congrats on the 275 days and inspirational for others on here about the GA meetings too. You have made me feel a little more optimistic. Take care.

Thankyou so much Admin & ODAAT, this is at the top of my to do list for sure!

I would do SENSE now but not near a printer....a job for tomorrow if I can squeeze 5 mins from a busy Monday! I really like the idea and at least then if even a mate invites you out to a stupid casino you really cannot go.

Gamparentanon I would so not say im an inspiration I am just some kid pretty much that doesnt want to waste anymore cash. Also I am taking the advice from earlier this year and trying not becoming another negative statistic. I never reallly have been too deep in the grips of gambling but I can fully appreciate how it becomes a part of you and your mindstate. Chasing losses is my big concern and how I found this site.

Its been very helpful this year.

Thanks again and as always wish everyone well.

R

Thank you. Most people on here have found and share their own methods of recovery and that is possibly a learning curve for all of you and provides good ideas for newbies and their families to try out. So when I say "inspirational" I mean if your way is working it will inspire others to persevere. However, I really do appreciate and know for a fact what a hard slog it is for you and others to reach that point and sharing those struggling times must make people feel they are not alone and there are others going through the same thing. I hope SENSE and MOSES help. Never heard of either of them until now, so there you go, I have learnt something new this week!! Good luck for the New Year.

Why do I really want to log onto a casino site online and just watch?

I can remember doing this in the early stages when I was trying to prove to myself how more often than not I would loose. (Not a healthy thing to do!)

Anyways I'm going to do something to occupy myself. Thankfully I just typed in the first 3 letters and then deleted them and flicked to this tab what I already had open.

R

Be honest with yourself. You won't just watch. Just watching will lead to relapse. But it's only a compulsion, you don't have to act on it.

Did you make it to GA and if so do you have any fellow members to call? And/or call the helpline?

Stay safe.

CW

Hi Reddy

You could install gambling blocking software so you can't open gambling sites, not even to just watch? You can find out more here:

http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software

As for SENSE and the printer, is that so you can print out a photo or print out the application form? You could do all that in the casino itself, if you feel up to visiting one just for that purpose. It might be best to take someone with you in case you feel tempted to back out and gamble instead.

Best wishes

Forum Admin

Hi Everyone,

Thanks for the tip admin about going into the casino...

I meant to post on day 299 when I did the SENSE. I was out and about at the cinema where there is a local casino, dropped in and sorted it out. (Why are casinos always next to cinema's anyway?)

I will admit at first I wanted to go in and have a look around.... but didnt deviate from my plan of excluding myself from all UK casinos. I was immidiatley put at ease and the manager met me who seemed like a nice and fair man. Did the paperwork on an iPad, took a photo and that was that. Felt pretty happy on the drive back home.

Its pretty good to know I have blocked myself from casinos for at least 6 months. If I want to lift the ban I have a 24hr cooling off period too where I will have to wait that time to get access which is a good idea.

Its one step made (taken me far too long I will admit). Just need to keep will power to stay away from the online s**t. Hopefully 2017 will bring this online blanket exclusion I am hearing about....