So here it goes.... So glad i found this forum!

Thanks mate wouldn't of been able to do it or continue to without the help and support I've had and got. Got call earlier someone is going to ring me on Tuesday to make arrangements and get me an appointment for the one on one counselling, actually looking forward to it feel like I'll really benefit from it.

Was in a pub earlier I do like party supplies and party planning so involves going to lot of different venues, pubs & clubs etc. walked in there's a fruity flashing away right in my face actually got a bit of a turn in my stomach just walked past thought of all the bad things and messes they have got me into think sometimes it's more the habit of your use to going up to them and playing and trying to win that little bit of profit rather than actually wanting too, do feel different tho on how I look at gambling now I see it in a different light one that's not that appealing anymore.

Hoping for more good days like this anyway!

Well full week tomorrow that I have not spent 1 penny on gambling, this time last week I was £100s down the feeling you have when you've lost too much thinking you'll never beat it, never wanna go back to that long way ahead for me but a this is furthest I've got in a long time.

I know I can do this!!

Well done mate should be proud! Your posts are very good on other peoples diaries rylex and are full of support! I too am glad you found this forum as you bring something great to it.

Stay safe mate

Gaz

That great news Rylex, a week is a long time for a compulsive gambler to go without a gamble.

The gut wrenching feelings of losses do fade over time and gradually you are winning the money back by just not gambling.

Do post again when you get to your first week and onwards to your second week.

Well nearly another day done and dusted been a bit of a mixed one today had nothing to do earlier on was sitting board stiff and normally it would of been at that point a time I would think oh I'll have a go at such a site and prob would been £100 down.

Been a quiet day anyway, putting a side a nearly ripped the side of my 4 week old car by missing a gate by literally 1cm I believe that is my luck for today rather than associating luck with gambling I've found luck in other ways like today.

So my first weekend is done GF this time last week.... well I don't even want to think about it was in a totally different situation from now I'll say that much.

Looking forward to the week ahead as have an appointment with counsellor so hopeful to see what that bring keeping the my positivity up anyway!

Well done on the first weekend Rylex. And nice one on the car - that is the sort of thing that can ruin your whole year! Keep strong.

Thanks change, yer don't think I would of ever got over the car!

Thankfully it's all still in one piece lol

No probs Rylex - what you seeing as your biggest struggle this week pal?

Prob the constant battle of low and high moods never knowing how you will feel one day to the next and not being in control of it is hard thing for me, and scratchcards there everywhere!!! Can't escape them I know if I buy 1 that will be it, I was bad on the £10 ones

Sooooo..... Today is my first full clear week I've not spent 1 single penny on anything to do with gambling and I can certainly say I feels good! Also starting to notice the financial benefit and that's also a nice feeling, feel bit mixed today but as everyday I'll ride it out and prob pick myself up as days goes on.

Week isn't long I know but a week means it's a start, so here is to week 2!

All the best everyone!

Great news, getting to 1 week gamble free.

You'll definitely see the money benefit of staying gamble free. Most compulsive gamblers, don't know how much they are really spending. I spent years being frightened to open bank/credit card statements and when I decided to quit, it was an eye opener just how much I had actually been wasting.

Onwards to you achieving a great 2nd week being gamble free.

So day out today in southport few shops then up to the pier loads of arcades included a huge fun land!

Family who i was with was aware about me not gambling etc. wasn't going to in but then I felt bad that they had to miss out coz of me so said no it's fine so yes I went in with them, they played few machines I stood watched then saw the over 18s bit all them £500 machines now normally for me I'd be in there straight away and prob empty my bank, had money in my pocket all my cards and I'm happy to say I never spent a single penny in there, did feel funny being in there felt anxious, and it was hard to break the habit your so use to when you walk in places like that, would I do it again NO! But if I can do what I have just done I know my determination is here with me...

Feeling very committed to beating this I know I can do it!

Hi buddy im sorry aint given you a message the last few days i just wanted to say thank you for you comments on my diary! I hope you are well and congrats on day 8 you can 100% do this and your doing great!

RYLEX,

just wanted to say that being in southport, and avoiding the machines, whereas in the past youd empty youre bank account....that shows massive commitment and you should be proud!

So happy you didnt relapse there mate, keep going my man!
Ben

Well done on resisting the temptation.

Friends and family who are use to you gambling, will take a while to come around to the idea, that you are serious about quitting, but just keep the determination up and they will soon realise you are deadly serious.

I remember during my early days of quitting, being out with a mate who I hadn't seen for a while. They suggested a go in the arcade, I told them I was quitting. We did go to an arcade, but it was the shopping arcade instead and during the hour or so window shopping, I probably would have spent a good £200 on the machines.

You should be very happy about the money still being in the bank and feel proud of yourself for overcoming a serious obstacle that many would have fallen on.