Stephen ~ Stopped Gambling 27th January 2018

Hey Stephen. I totally understand. Try to focus on the fact that since this time last year you have had many many days gamble free. The cumulative impact of all those gamble free days is a positive. The overall path is away from gambling and the fact that some days are not consecutive - then well c'est la vie. Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves which is counterproductive. Take care my friend and be kind to yourself. xx

Come back Stephen,
Try not to desert us,
For your army of friends, it would truly hurt us.
We know that you're down, so please don't be alone,
Let's keep on marching together, through the tough danger zone.
There's bound to be challenges, to face on the way,
We just have to keep battling, day upon day.
So you gambled again - so flipping what?
You've improved since the past -
That counts for a lot.
We all understand, the hurt and the pain.
Let's keep on marching together, till the sun dries the rain.

Big hugs x

Hey Stephen,

Just passing by with a message of support. You have helped me a lot on my low days (& Good ones as well)..please don't isolate as that's what addiction likes at this difficult time of yours.

We are here...right beside you! KTF - keep the faith!

Just for today...look after yourself

S&B xx

Remember this? ☺

https://youtu.be/eVqPFDessyQ

Hi Stephen .. would just like to offer you my suppoort at ths difficult time for you and echo all the above posts,something needs to change my friend or you are only going to keep going round in circles, understand you need some time away to get yourself together but hope to see you back on here soon, you are a good person and a great help to many on here including myself , keep fighting mate never give up on giving up ........

Thank you for the posts on my diary. I appreciate your kind words of support, poetry by LML and inspirational music from S&B. There is so much warmth and compassion in the diaries which is wonderful to see.

I saw the consultant yesterday for the results of my Echocardiogram and Chest CT Scan. Good news, my heart is ok and the shadow on my lung has got smaller. He has given me a weeks steroid tablets so hopefully my breathing will steadily improve. I panic a bit when I can't get my breath and a few times it has brought on nightmares where I am underwater or trapped and struggling to breathe.

Two days gamble free today. Time for me to resume my recovery. I do appreciate the solidarity that we share and will try to do better this time.

I will start a new thread.

Stephen - I'm sure I'm not the only person on this forum who has a lot of respect for your kindness, considerate posts and honesty.

Ultimately I've been thinking about your situation and the question I think you need to address is what has caused you to get back on the "hamster wheel".

I don't want you to tell me and other forum users the answer to the question I pose but have you had in the past had or considered GamCare counselling to work out what's causing your "setbacks"?

As always, best wishes, Phil.

Congratulations Phil on 2 years gamble free. I truly respect your achievement and salute your continued good progress.

Thankyou for posting on my diary. I did enjoy my 12 counselling sessions through GamCare and found them very helpful. During the 6 months I was free from gambling I felt reasonably happy and contented...stephen

Welcome back home Stephen. For this surely is the best place for you to be. Everyone has their own lives to live and happiness and peace of mind is paramount. I'm concerned for your health, just as you are. But nothing is decided yet. You're an real trooper and they can do marvels with medical stuff these days.

As for the gambling relapses - there's no shame to bear but there will be significant reasons or triggers. You will find the way. Just keep on reaching out for help and support.

All the best mate

Hi Stephen - like so many of us, delighted you're back 🙂 !

Welcome back good to see you back

Thank you Changemylife, Mixer and Christer. Isolation is definitely not the answer. Recovery is achievable alongside my gamcare friends. I know what's needed to remain gamble free and it works around hope, honesty and harmony.

I am starting a new thread now.

Nice one Abstainer, you've many friends on this site who care and will support you.

Wilsy

Thank you Wilsy. Hope I can follow your example. Congratulations on your good progress, you will be 100 days GF tomorrow which is a great step forward on your journey home...abstainer

Thanks Abstainer, just daunting that I am going to have to remain this way for the rest of my life, still it's better trying to stay away from it than it is to be involved in it.

Wilsy