Hello,
I’ve managed a month without cracking but it’s finally come back to haunt me. I keep saying this is the time I’ll stop, and I really hope it is this time. Anyway, found myself in a casino on the weekend and lost some money, then chased the loss the next day.
Not in any sort of overdraft as I paid it all off last month. But it makes me hate myself for basically blowing all my savings for the last year. I need to stop now and get my savings back on track. I have signed up for Gamstop and am self excuded from all my online accounts. Reading stories from others really does help me get over it a bit. I think writing this helps me aswell. Anyway I start again, today being day 1.
Positive thoughts and comments please. Have a great day.
Best of luck. Many of us have slipped up before, but you just need to get back to a positive frame of mind, put any blocks in place that you feel are necessary and start over.
Don't dwell too much on your recent relapse. I know you might hate yourself right now, but try to not be too harsh on yourself.
The problem that many of us have is that we think we can rectify past mistakes by gambling again, but that only leads to more ruin and before you know it, things have spiralled beyond all control. Don't make that mistake. Just live for tomorrow.
All the best!
Final thoughts for day 1 - I realise that although stopping gambling is an incredible task, it is easily doable with self control and guidance. I am thankful not to be in a worse position (debt) and am taking this experience as a life lesson.
The journey to stop gamble will also be a life lesson. I will not complete what I want to achieve if I do not work hard. To stop gambling and start saving money again I must work hard.
I have enough money to get through the month with a bit left over for a few drinks on the weekend etc. After this month the real challenge will begin, getting paid and splitting the money between accounts and keeping it where it needs to be. Bring on day 2.
Day 2 - I would be a liar if I said the thought hadn’t crossed my mind to put a bet on. It’s extrenely hard with the World Cup on and all my mates talking about what bets they’re putting on.
I’ve come here the second I’ve thought about it to remind myself why I’ve made the decision to stop. I hope this gets easier.
Day 3 - Great win for England in the World Cup yesterday. Found it hard to not put a bet on, but I succeeded. So that’s a step in the right direction. Bring on the rest of the week.
best of luck on your journey LPL, sounds like youve caught this at the right time, another 6 months and you could have done some serious damage, similar position to me. I see it as a lesson, a lucky escape from something that could have escalated and with devastating consequences. you only have to read some of the stories on here to see how deep into trouble you can get if you dont sort it. My lesson is that some people can have a flutter , play a bit of casino online for fun , knowing when to stop. Other people like me cannot do this and their only option is to never gamble. I actually also now find that football matches are more enjoyable without a bet as you just watch as a football fan and enjoy rather than getting stressed or annoyed when your bet fails. How many people last night watched last nights drama and as the nation celebrated they enjoyed it less due to a grubby betting slip in their hand that didnt come in.
Im day 23 GF today and its amazing how quickly the days mount up when you are seriously committed to staying Gamble free.
keep it up mate
shake the disease wrote:
best of luck on your journey LPL, sounds like youve caught this at the right time, another 6 months and you could have done some serious damage, similar position to me. I see it as a lesson, a lucky escape from something that could have escalated and with devastating consequences. you only have to read some of the stories on here to see how deep into trouble you can get if you dont sort it. My lesson is that some people can have a flutter , play a bit of casino online for fun , knowing when to stop. Other people like me cannot do this and their only option is to never gamble. I actually also now find that football matches are more enjoyable without a bet as you just watch as a football fan and enjoy rather than getting stressed or annoyed when your bet fails. How many people last night watched last nights drama and as the nation celebrated they enjoyed it less due to a grubby betting slip in their hand that didnt come in.
Im day 23 GF today and its amazing how quickly the days mount up when you are seriously committed to staying Gamble free.
keep it up mate
Hello and thanks for your comments, congrats on being gamble free. Some of the stories on here are indeed scary and although I’m not in debt, I want to have something to show for my hard work rather than in another 2 years be in the same position. No more throwing money away. I really think I can beat it this time.
Day 4 - Not thought much about gambling. Looking forward to england playing on the weekend. Still gf.
Day 5 - Today is day 5 and I’ve thought about gambling and my finances quite a lot recently. I’ve always had the problem of trying to be in complete control of my finances, but sometimes it’s best to just take it day by day and not think too far ahead.
I have allowed myself a £5 bet on the England game on the weekend. I’ve been thinking about the football a lot and I feel like the urge will take over to gamble. A £5 is a lot better than lumping £100 on a game. I know I shouldn’t be betting at all, as an alcoholic shouldn’t allow himself just ‘one drink’. But I do feel like a weight has been lifted, and now I’m not thinking about it as much. If the bet loses then so be it, I will not restart my days as I’m not disappointed in myself for having a £5 bet.
Hmmm...can't say I can really agree that the £5 bet is ok.
Either you want to stop gambling or you do not. As you say a quick drink is not ideal for an alcoholic.
Please accept this as a supportive comment rather than criticism.
Have a great weekend - Come on England!
Muststop123 wrote:
Hmmm...can't say I can really agree that the £5 bet is ok.
Either you want to stop gambling or you do not. As you say a quick drink is not ideal for an alcoholic.
Please accept this as a supportive comment rather than criticism.
Have a great weekend - Come on England!
Thanks for your comment. I’m only doing this as a treat and because it will not affect my lifestyle. I know it’s a weird way of thinking but this £5 has stopped my urge. I guess we’ll see where it goes.
Day 5 Update - After thinking about it, I shouldn’t allow myself even a £5 bet. Not going to let myself do more in the future, although it hasn’t affected me. It’s about the principle
hi LPL, probably a good idea you decided against it - its whatever works for the individual i suppose, for me personally and probably many people on here 'just a £5 bet on the football' would not be ideal. If you can cope with just doing that without slipping back into destructive behaviour then youve cracked it and solved your problem , just be very careful.
Join sense scheme for casinos mate, then u cant go in one in the uk
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Won’t be able to update over the weekend. Going to keep off my phone. Started overthinking about my finances again. Hope everyone has a good weekend.
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