Stopping Gambling is “easy”

28/2 I have dreamt all night about being a gambler! I woke however and I was in a positive mood and at each “Gambling thought” I thought starve the devil! I went out and passed bookies on route and didn’t think “stop” and gamble so today I tried to think I don’t gamble and today I didn’t. None of any of gambling thoughts lasted that long! Today I was frustrated by other drivers but I didn’t react as in gambling! I am not a gambler today!

Another day as a non gambler, I was out and about very busy, and with a colleague so no real opportunity to gamble, the only real “thoughts” were when I was nearly home and I did think I am killing the devil - in fact I shouted out loud in the car and said die you devil die!! (Must have looked a right ****! Another day gf! Jappy

Today Saturday- I have been up early and started a bit of work before golf, and home for some lunch and off to the gym this pm, now having an hour relaxing! Today I must say no gambling thoughts, paid a little off my debt, so another month nearer sanity! Today I am a non gambler and if this is how non gamblers feel then bring it on! Out this evening for a meal so more normal things and tonight there will be no need to worry about paying! Enjoy another day gf Jappy

Stay strong I read that book also helped for a bit but I got cocky and relapsed thinking I had it all in hand. Never step place in an arcade or bookies or casino and think you have it under wraps. It just leads you back to the start.

Stopping gambling is easy, I stopped loads of times...Staying stopped, not so much!

I’m all for people finding the best way for them to tackle this beast but stopping gambling for most people really isn’t as simple as just saying no! So, if you have read the book & are still gambling or are reading this post & not finding stopping is easy, don’t get disheartened...Try something else & expect to have to keep working @ building a new life for yourself that doesn’t leave you wanting for the false high that addiction gives us - ODAAT

Very true words ‘stopping is easy staying stopped is not!! Its like slimming world ! You are very committed in the first week and may lose a lot of pounds , however a week goes by and you put it on and more !! I have stopped and restarted and gone worse!!

Hi all thanks for your posts and I agree with all you say, it is the continued thinking that I am a non gambler and to embrace the thoughts of gambling as killing the devil! It has cleared my mind and this is a way forward now! If it works for some it must work! As with all it’s the decisions made in the future that count! Here is to bring a non- gambler - today! Jappy

Another day over as a non gambler! Thinking good things about my feelings, not getting the pains at present, I will refer to killing the devil ! Stay gf

Hi Jappy, well done on your new approach.

I didn’t read any books, it was just a culmination of things that led to me stopping gambling and staying gf for as long as I have so far.

I hate to sound negative when you are doing such a good job, and in no way do I want to discourage your positive energy. Just be wary. The devil in your ear is devious and patient. It will happily let you have this sabbatical from gambling because it knows there will be times when, maybe after a bad day at the office, you will be vulnerable once again. It happens with no warning.

Positivity and willpower may work initially but are ultimately not enough alone to overwhelm the urge when it comes. Make sure you have as much support and as many blocks in place as you can. You’ll need it.

Do these things and you will be fine. Things do get easier after those moments come and pass. It’s never easy but every day things are better and better

Keep up the good work!

[quote=Ukds69]

Hi Jappy, well done on your new approach.

I didn’t read any books, it was just a culmination of things that led to me stopping gambling and staying gf for as long as I have so far.

I hate to sound negative when you are doing such a good job, and in no way do I want to discourage your positive energy. Just be wary. The devil in your ear is devious and patient. It will happily let you have this sabbatical from gambling because it knows there will be times when, maybe after a bad day at the office, you will be vulnerable once again. It happens with no warning.

Positivity and willpower may work initially but are ultimately not enough alone to overwhelm the urge when it comes. Make sure you have as much support and as many blocks in place as you can. You’ll need it.

Do these things and you will be fine. Things do get easier after those moments come and pass. It’s never easy but every day things are better and better

Keep up the good work!

I have had a difficult morning today and felt in need of some fresh air and clear my head! As soon as this thought came in the devil came flooding in and I was thinking how it would relieve the stress etc etc. The book is correct this feeling will happen, previously I have reacted, today I left my wallet in the office and walked out! My mind stopped thinking gambling, so I have hopefully killed the devil a little today! I am now back in work and feeling good about making the right decision I don’t miss that bad feeling when losses on tip-off stress! I do not gamble so today is like all others I don’t gamble !! Jappy

A difficult day with thoughts that have been “killing the devil” my mind still thinking it would help relieve stress! Another day gf as a non gambler!

Day 10 GF need to keep mind busy and occupied. Next mile stone 25 days!

Today I have been out and about on an away trip with work, my past visit I was in and out of the bookies on FOBTs with the ups and downs / ultimately down!! Today I walked past that place and whistled to myself that I was killing the devil! I did have a pang but that cleared when not fed! As a non gambler why think this! Another day gf! And that’s a week as a non gambler. Here is to another!

Hi Jappy

Good on you. I’m so pleased you are finding a way to stop. My partner read the Allen Carr book too and couldn’t believe he didn’t read it sooner. He’s doing good too. Has put blocks in place, seeing a counceller, talking daily , and has told me and a few friends. He’s also chucked himself into his hobby, which seems to have helped.

He is feeling confident he can do this, just like you. I’m worried there will be a wobble.

Stay strong and keep going. Your shouting in the car post made me smile.

Xx