Staying off gambling

I couldn't sleep last night seem to be worried an anxious. I have to go to work later on today, I'm worried about that as well as I can't seem to function.

Hi Anne just try to focus on today. Keeping busy will help. Admitting defeat is the first step. Machines are designed to be addictive. Living just for today is also a great philosophy.

Thank you will try it's just my mind thoughts won't stop and all the head stuff such as guilt and remorse feeling ashamed and stupid for gambling in the first place what a mess I'm in. Thanks for writing on my diary

Hi Anne,

Firstly, you are not alone with this feeling and as the days rack up, the anxiety and stress will get better, that I promise! Do you gamble online? If so, sign up to Gamstop and then that should deal with that side of things for you. Keep writing and keep making the right decisions, don't let this play tricks with you, you can do it : )

Jam

Welcome to the diaries Anne. I feel very sad reading of the pain and torment you are experiencing. I believe this is a good place to seek help. Keeping a diary of your journey can be quite liberating, also you are with friends who have experience of gambling addiction and can offer you support and advice.

The first thread on the Newcomers section of the forum is a great place to start. The introductory post by one of our members , Mixer, is a great read and offers a lot of really good advice.

I wish you every success in stopping gambling and rebuilding your life ...stephen

Thank you and hope you are doing well. We can do this together. I'm feeling better today early days I know

Another day free of gambling things are being to look up. I have had no desire to gamble or go to stupid casino, my work was OK again as my mind was on it. Gambling stinks and has robbed me of money and time. I am glad to be here writing on my diary hope I can keep it up staying of the thing that's distorted my life for to many years I hate it.

Made it through another day and work is getting better I'm keeping this diary. It helps me to write things down. I'm feeling gradually better. Still got a lot of things to sort out because of all my depths been in touch with step change got to add another two depts to it. I'm trying to focus on a future and hopefully I will be able to start saving in a few months for a holiday.

Hi Anne,

Thanks for your comment in my diary. One thing I discovered after years of also leading a double life and subsequently trying to give it up on my own. It just doesn’t work. You need help and support In one form or another.

Whilst my decision was not to let my family in on my addiction, I do see a counsellor regularly and I have found this forum, in particular having my own diary, is also working wonders.

Keep up the great work, keeping GF really and truly is worth it. Keep on your guard for those more testing days. When you get an urge, flood your brain with as many negative images about gambling as you can, remind yourself constantly of how bad it will make you feel, the money you will throw away, the time you will waste. Don’t fret about what has been, just don’t allow yourself any more, not even one.

Best of luck, we are in this together.

Thank you I am trying to keep busy and fill my days with other things and work. Gambling has taken everything from me and us it's time to fight back.

You are doing fantastic Anne. Keep up the amazing work.

There can be less good days along with the good ones, expect that to occur, but just continue to fight those urges (it gets better as time goes in). Every time, just think back to all the bad things gambling brings. And there’s plenty of them that’s for sure. Isolation, losing money, spending precious time, ostracising yourself from your friends, the list goes on. Don’t do it, the rewards are a hundred times more than anything gambling gives.

Thank you so kind of you, yes early days for me it feels good not to gamble, when I was gambling I just could not stop and all the lies and deceit it completely took me over. Sometimes be up all night trying to chase my losses and losing more and more its crazy thinking I'm glad to be stopped still can't belive what an idiot I have been think I must have been insane.

Hi Anne, try not to think of yourself in that way. You may’ve done idiotic and insane things whilst gambling (we all have) but that’s doesnt make you an idiot or insane.

It is just how our brains are wired up. We are predisposed to it. Once we are susceptible and the barriers are down, when the triggers hit, there is no amount of self constraint that will hold it back.

Which is why it is so important to put up as many barricades as you can (Gamstop, phone blocks etc), accept what has been done is done and accept that you mustn’t gamble again. Take each day at a time and always be on your guard and be aware of urges, especially during days when you might be feeling a little low.

Keep up the good work! 🙂

Thank you for your encouragement I appreciate it. I'm feeling quite low today fighting of urges but I'm not giving in I will go for a walk I keep thinking of all the money I have wasted and I'm struggling now because of it all.