Stephen the sad loser

Come on Stephen! Let’s give both ourselves and our friends something to feel proud of.

It may feel a long way off today but gradually we can get ourselves into a position of comfort and peace.

It wasn’t that long ago that you achieved 6 months gamble free.

My personal best is 64 days.

Let’s both work together to ensure that we get to these respective targets and then re-a***s.

You can do this, Stephen.

Best wishes, Dan

I blew it as well pal . Gambled yesterday. Today is day number 1 . It's got to be the last one

Thank you for the posts on my diary. Excellent advice and I appreciate the support and encouragement.

I am struggling to comprehend how I could be so stupid. I joined the diaries 10th May last year and should now be approaching 1year gamble free.

A few relapses have set me back time and again so here I am, back once again on day 4. Maybe this time I can do better. I hope so.

Hi Stephen,

Thank you for taking your time and posting on my dairy. I appreciate it a lot.

I'm truly sorry to hear that you had a relapse recently. Let's hope this time next year you will be 1 year and 4 days GF. You can do this mate. We are all in it together. One day at a time. Take care.

Pras

Thank you Pras. What you say is true and I know I am perfectly capable of not gambling for a year. So I will just knuckle down and get on with it. Wallowing in regret won't get me anywhere.

I have gambled very little, time wise, over the last year but my irresponsible and pathetic gambling episodes have caused me a lot of strife, both emotionally and financially.

I could now have peace of mind and financial stability but I just threw it all away again and again and again.

I feel you Stephen. The amount of pain I've caused to my loved ones over the years just kills me everytime I think about it. Gambling made me a nasty, horrible, selfish person. All I thought about was making easy money then ended up chasing losses for 10 years. I borrowed money from pretty much all of my friends and at one stage I would just scroll my contacts list on the mobile phone just to check who I haven't borrowed money from and who's more likely to lend me money. Desperate times.

Let's put all this behind us and hope that we never ever gamble again. We are in this together. All the best my friend. Have a lovely evening.

Pras

Hi stephen sorry to hear u had a slip you can do this you have helped me many times when ive felt the urge you are a strong person and i have every faith you to stay gf just have to keep yourself busy when those dark thoughts come knocking remember just take one day at a time those days will soon stack up again . Bambi x

Thank you Pras & Bambi for your kind words and good advice.

I am 8 days away from my last bet and can honestly say I have no urges to gamble. This is not surprising though as I have very little money. The testing time will come when my finances improve.

I had great fun last night, joining in the celebrations at an engagement party. The couple seemed very happy. Great music, plenty of dancing and a good atmosphere.

Glad to hear your having fun out keep going my freind

Hope you're enjoying the sunshine and glad you had a lovely time! I know how you feel, if I have spare money it makes me feel on edge but I think it'S because I destroyed my relationship with money by gambling. Maybe when finances improve open a separate account that only a trusted friend/family mem can access, just a thought. I found anything that helps, helps. Take care Sx

Thanks a million for your kind words on my diary , I hope that you can keep on the straight and narrow . It’s amazing how quickly things improve and you can see that there are other and better things in life

Steven you need yo be honest with yourself as yo what you really want in life. I believe the reason for repeated relapse is being overwhelmingly sad/frustrated with our life choices and our current situation. a common theme is gamblers using a female friend/wife to help them escape the turmoil this can also be fuel to the fire. I find myself relapsing and in hindsight I look back and think I've done this to spend time with my Mum again. She always helps rebuild me after each loss and I've become addicted to recovering from a relapse.

Thank you for the posts on my diary. 10 days since I last had a bet and feeling very positive.

Welcome to the forum ABgolf. I have replied to the post on your thread in the Overcoming Problem Gamling section. I take on board the points you have raised and do try to address them. I have regrets and due to gambling my current financial situation is not how I would like it to be. Remorse and self pity are definite triggers so I need to watch out for that. It is an interesting notion of being addicted to recovering from a relapse, as I do generally feel more at ease during those periods, mainly due to having no money to gamble with. The mind works in funny ways and I don't find it productive to over analyse my gambling addiction. My sole aim at the moment is to draw a line under it all and live the rest of my life in a more worthwhile way. It is ludricous that someone has to hold onto my bank card but for the time being I cannot trust myself when money goes in the bank.

Going for a swim later with a spell in the gym on the cross-trainer and rowing machine. I saw the pulmonary nurse recently regarding my breathing difficulties and she is referring me for physio at the hospital. In the meantime, she recommended I work on building up my leg muscles (which require a lot of oxygen) and do some cardio exercises.Tonight is Salsa dancing which is great fun and makes me feel good. I take it nice and steady so I don't get too breathless.

Hi Stephen I heard this on the radio this morning jamiroquai 'canned heat' nothing left for me to do but dance!

Well done on reaching 10 days, Stephen. It’s great that you're keeping busy. It’s so important that you do that. I’m glad you’re feeling more positive in your recovery. It’s also important to let past losses go. Whilst it’s vital we learn from our mistakes, it’s equslly important that we move on and face the challenges of the present. We can only ever change what’s ahead of us. The power is in your hands to give yourself a better life. It’s there for the taking mate. Let’s *** the moment and kick gambling into touch once and for all!

Have a fun night at salsa.