The only way I know

I am day 1 today too after another slip and fall, why are we chasing a chemical reaction in our brain and paying handsomely for it?

Hope you stay strong and keep on the right and steady path my friend 

Thanks, good luck this time. I took someone's advice on another thread and bought the book The Chimp Paradox. really interesting up to where I've read so far. It explains why we think the way we do. 

Hi could do better,

 Thankyou message on the forum. I see that you have done the first in buying the Chimp book. 

The only way to win at gambling is not to play. 

I do have some suggestions in support with the book as well.

1. If possible, sign up with Fintech bank such as Monzo bank (a bank that lives in your mobile phone) that bars all gambling transactions and create a pot that pays yourself £1 daily for not gambling.  This acts as a visual record of gamble free days and a motivational tool. This helps you to build a good relationship with money again as well as lifting your self esteem and self worth. 

2. Finding a replacement for your gambling such as short walks, visit libraries, bike riding, reading etc. You're using nature to fight nature.  In a way, so they both cancelled each other out. Anything that is counter productive and stuff that interests you.  Take pleasure in normal things again. Rediscover old hobbies and discover new interests that make you smile in the morning. 

3. If you get gambling urges- stop, and take a few slow deep breaths. Be aware that the monkey is in your mind. Go and watch Utube clips on recovery gamblers such as Only Phil and The winning hand by TheRibackGroup.

4. Gambling is not on the life menu- even the Bible states: You shall not covet your neighbours goods. Eventhough you may not be religious, however, it's an invaluable advice. There are no cure in sight- it is a repeating of human behaviour. 

5. Try to distinguish yourself and your behaviour (your monkey)- as they're two entities. 

Bruce Lee famously quoted, "Empty your mind, be formless, shapeless like water. If you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. If you put water into a bottle, it becomes the bottle. If you put water into a teapot, it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow or it can crash. Be water, my friend, "

6. As Albert Einstein famously said,

"Doing the same thing again and again, but expecting a different outcome, is the definition of insanity, "

7. Time- a gambler need time to gamble. So fill your time with small productive task.  If you've got a gambling problem- there is a ton of stuff you've been neglecting: your personal appearance, or health, the house and garden, your work, relationships, and friends etc. More importantly, recognised time is on your side so that healing process can start. 

8. Forgiveness- learn to live with it (the monkey self). As time passes, it will become easier and easier to you naturally- regardless of how much money, energy, and time lost in the process. And the necessary steps are in place to help you battle your inner demon. 

I hope this helps you. 

Xoi

Ps Stay sane, safe, calm and take one day at a time 

Brilliant advice Xoi, thanks for taking the time to reply. A great friend of mine gave up drinking after a visit to rehab 2 years ago. I look at it in a similar way, I know what I need to do, just need the tools to do it.

Anyway, day 3.

@could-do-better If you were inspired by your friend and his visit to rehab, why not try Gamblers Anonymous yourself and get the help that has stood the test of time. Being with like minded people with a desire to stop gambling, sharing your story without judgement.

Could you do that?

Chris.

Not sure Chris tbh. I would be in big trouble if my wife found out that I am gambling again. Think that I would if I got anywhere near the levels that I had reached previously, which I wasn't near this time. 

I've given up drinking for January  and am finding that surprisingly easy, even though I drink everyday(not large amounts). 

Day 5

@could-do-better It's really difficult to do this on your own and sometimes that support from home can help. By not being honest you're hindering your potential recovery.

Obviously I do not know the conversations that you and your wife had about doing it again or last chances but if you can find the strength to have an open conversation at least you don't have to hide anything.

Hopefully you can put a cap on it and leave it behind but please think about what your options are should you struggle with doing it alone.

Chris.