Regaining control after slip

Well day 2 of the 'action' nearly over and no urges to place a bet. However, I do know that if I go into a pub while the racing is on, I will place bet after bet. This is the reason that I need to steer clear of both pub and bookies this week and remain in work until action is finished.

There seem to be sweepstakes going on all over the office and I am getting very strange looks when I refuse to participate (would normally be in every one!). My answer is, I prefer to bet when I can watch the race(which is of course a lie, but my business is that, my business!).

I'm pleased that my slip at the weekend has had no adverse effect so far on my desire to live my life without the gambling cloud.

Take Care Folks

Blues

Quick update, slipped again last friday - the whole Cheltenham thing got to me and I placed 3 bets. Again no financial consequence, but this time, I really didnt feel the buzz. In the past I would have stayed till the money ran out, but not this time, walked out of the bookies after thord race (lots of races on the day still to run). Havent had a bet since and am just taking things one day at a time, but extremely glad that Cheltenham is ovedr as its the whole atmosphere that I missed and if I can remain gamble free until cheltenham next year, might be an idea to go away with the family for a few days during the festival.

Take Care

Blues

Need to update how I feel, just lost £150 and I know i'm slipping back into the rut - d**n you gambling and d**n everything the industry stands for

Blues

Hi Blues, can you tell your wife? I sense that you are on the edge at the moment. This is the time to take away all access to money that you have. She will understand and help you through this patch you are in. I think you need to take this step. Thinking of you. Russ

Hi Blues.. My experince has always been that once I gamble (whether it does financial damage or not) it makes it so much easier to gamble again if not the same day then a few days or weeks later. Its as if that first gamble completely changes my mindset. I hope your able to get back on track. keep fighting the good fight. I say much the same to myself. All the best.. S.A

agree with russ and s.a blues..,back to basics mate log in here regular,even just a no bet statement..counselling ? Carry very little ? Im sure your wife will handle finance ? Pride may be hurt for a little while but others on here havent looked back and long term its better than the pain of losing your hard earned ? Thinking of you buddy,you do whats best for you 😉

Hi, thanks for the support really appreciate your comments and I know they make sense.

I would rather not dwell on why it happened as I had that gut wrenching feeling when I woke at about 3am. You know the one where you wake up then 5 seconds later realise what happened the day before - HORRIBLE. It really ripped the stomach out of me.

The money I lost was little bits I had been putting to one side (wife already has control of my bank account etc), for a rainy day. Yesterday was my rainy day let me tell you - 3 or 4 months of saving a little here and there blown in one hour on a Thurday afternoon - MADNESS.

Well I'm coming back on here and starting again. Today is day one of my latest battle and I really need to take it one day at a time as, like you mentioned. I feel like i'm on the edge at the moment.

S.A, I am the same its as though the bet abstinence seal was broken two weeks ago and to be honest it was obviously only a matter of time until the old self destruct button was pressed.

Thanks again folks, together we can do this and I wish you all the best in this d**n hard battle and hope we all have a gamble free day

Take Care

Blues

Blues,

There is wisdom on these boards. S.A and Winningpost being two key sources of such. Hope you don't mind me adding my 2 cents.

This is a degenerative illness. I've never been months before without a bet, but many times after a day or two of not betting, I'd:

a) want try some small bet experiments

b) develop a new betting strategy

c) get bored with not betting

d) want to be a risk taker or be a rebel

or all of the above at the same time. A bit like smoking, I always went back harder and faster than the previous times.

As you know Blues, the deceit and secrecy is a massive part of this. Telling someone, although being a pain in the ar se, is a good bit of advice because it breaks that secrecy on which gambling thrives.

I'm trying to imagine me in your shoes( you, SA and wp saying this to me), and I'd probably say "yeah yeah, you're right, I might tell her tomorrow". Outside looking in, its easier to see. I think you can share the blip with loved ones and restore your recovery and confidence in yourself a lot easier than going it alone.

Your back to basics comments are a relief to hear.

Best of strength Blues,

Brian

Hi Folks,

Yes Brian, I can certainly relate to the 4 points (a-d) you have pointed out below and it was probably a mix of all 4.

I know in my heart that I have a massive problem and I can never be classed as a normal gambler. I'm guessing that unfortunately this is a battle that will remain with us all until we draw our last breath, albeit some days will be easier than others.

Anyway, this is a positive post, no bet since my last slip on Thursday and more importantly for me, no urges.

Feeling really upbeat, sun is shining and for today, just today, I will not gamble.

Back to basics is the way forward and I need to continue to do what I managed to do from August until my first slip

Take Care

Blues

Another gamble free day has passed after the tortuous last few weeks - I cannot gamble sensibly so I must not gamble at all - a new dawn, and a new day. Time to get life back on track

Take Care

Blues

Well onto day 6 of the latest battle after my 204 days of abstinence (which I am extremely proud of). Had a few non financially damaging slips from sat 13th march then last Thursday months of saving little bits was blown in an hour or so - I thought that was back to square one but I have managed to slowly pull myself out of the rut in the last week or so and will continue to take one day at a time.

Just ticking along at the minute - closer to the edge than I was at the start of March in mental terms but will keep doing the right things

Take Care

Blues

Hi Blues.. thanks for your support.. I feel a little more empowered today and not beating myself up too much.

Your last comments ring so true. It only takes one gambling binge to deplete ones savings or have no money for rent/mortgage/bills etc. I find thats the really scary thing with me in that the gambling monster within would have put my rent for the month into the slots if were not for the fact that eventually the cash point says no.

Sounds to me like you have got back on the recovery wagon straight away and are very much back on track. And your right your not back to square one just as i am not back to square one. Its all a learning curve. Onwards, upwards and forwards.. S.A 🙂

Onto day 7, and I feel good. Need to keep this up and if I make another 204 days, I will be delighted - the aim is to remain gamble free for ever and ever, bt thats such an unrealistic target at this moment in time. If I want a bet, I will keep telling myself I will have one tomorrow, becasue tomorrow will always be a day away if that makes sense

Take Care

Blues

hi blues,

long time no - speak !

I hope tomorrow is day 14 for you, and that you have found your strength again.

all i know is you're a nice guy, and you can do this - 204 days says you can !

take care

tommi

Blues,

Just popping by to see how you are doing. Hope you're alright.

Brian