good to hear a positive update keep doing what your doing.
Hi sorry to hear you lost so much. I am in a slightly similar situation having relapsed a few times recently and sepent all my rent money. I am constantly single and partly blame that for my problems.. its a vicious circle.
Is there are way you can back with your partner, or use getting back with them or someone else as an incentice? Its so much harder by yourself, theres no one close to bounce ideas off and no one to tell you off etc. But I'm sure we can all do it together and beat this 🙂
On reflection I think that the relationship may have been a trigger to my gambling as since it ended I haven't had any urges. It's hard to understand, but it's starting to make sense. I feel stronger in myself and thinking of myself which I hadn't done in the relationship for a long time
All I can promise you is that if you don't gamble things will change , when we admit esp to our loved ones it goes from self loathing to guilt. Like you I saw the only solution was to call it a day I woke in hospital and had to explain to my partner what's been going on for years! While he's struggled to make bill payments Christmases birthdays I was chasing this dream that I'd make it all better with the big win. Mad thing is I got the win which told me I'm in trouble as it went as quick as it came! I hated myself felt so lost and isolated all my own doing, once out of hospital I went GA and through my sobbing admitted I was a compulsive gambler that was 11 months ago by attending the meetings and doing most of what's suggested on a daily basis that pain and low I hit reminds me why I stopped!! The meetings let me no that it's ok I am not alone. I've also been sober 20 years and an old timer once said "if we had no one relapse we wouldn't need meetings & for some the relapse is needed in order to recover" keep at it good luck & god bless my friend
Thank you, I kept thinking big and that I'd win to sort everything out while my ex partner did overtime to pay for the wedding. Crazy how the mind works, now I can see the irrationality of it and that's keeping me on the right track. That and I never want to hit the depths of despair I felt 3 months ago. Every day gets a bit easier, I just need to have a resolution to the debt and I can truly move forward
Sounds like you are on the right tracks 😀
Every day that passes and the more I talk the more I make sense of my reasons behind gambling. Definite issues of escapism and trying to have control of something. Feeling strong and confidence continues to grow, so nice to not feel withdrawn.
Keep going mate. Great effort!
Doing really well. Proud of where I am. Counselling with Gamcare done and it has helped me to learn my reasons for gambling. I feel I am the person I was before I started gambling, possibly a better version of myself. 4 months and I'm the strongest I've been in years.
Still gamble free, feel I've turned a corner, have dealt with my relationship breakdown and am feeling happy within myself. Looking at sorting my debts once and for all. Had a car accident 2 weeks ago, but unlike before, it didn't make me want to gamble. Thought processes are definitely healthier.
Still gamble free. Amazing the difference in myself since I stopped, confidence has come on leaps and bounds. Have applied for bankruptcy and waiting the next steps.
Decided that I'm no longer going to go to GA. It served its purpose but now I know why I gambled I find it hard to buy into the illness model. Will see how I get on, but having missed the last 3 weeks I don't feel it's hindered my recovery so far
Last Tuesday marked a year since my last bet. Spent the last week reflecting on my journey.
A year ago I was at my lowest point, I looked over at a canal thinking about how I could end it. I lost my partner, my home and my self respect. I am bankrupt now. Never thought I would say that. But, amongst all of what I have lost, I have my confidence and self respect back.
I don't want to gamble again, I have seen what life is like without this terrible addiction, and it has given me a reason to live.
For those during the early part of the journey, keep going, it gets better.
20 months since my last bet and still going strong. Gambling doesn’t cross my mind (the act of that is), always think about where I’ve been and how it affected me. Have been discharged from bankruptcy, have a new job, new partner and life is the best it’s been in years. Life without gambling is so worth living. Proud of my journey and the people that have helped me to this point.
You can beat gambling, you have to want to and put things in place to help you.
What a fantastic post, hope others read this especially if they think there is no way out. Enjoy being GF S:)
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