This time....

Cheers Tom

well done so far keep it going keep positive like you say.

I have acutually opened a savings account looking at it like a machine instead of giving it the bookie started putting it in there.

Hopefully watch it grow taken a longtime to get here but will do my best.

Nice to know im not alone with this addiction

I'm starting to find excitement in my interests again. I've picked up my running and cycling will soon be on the cards again. When I was gambling I didn't really care about that type of stuff, just was excited to sit in the house gambling from the phone waiting for goals to go in. It's only now I can see how trapped I was. Not going back, no chance. Keep going everyone.

Well it's payday folks!

First payday since I lost 5k. Feels good to get here. Bills will be paid and my debts will be reduced, not by much but it's a step in the right direction. My anxiety is really lifting now. I'm still fully focused on not gambling and enjoying the simple things in life that are so easily taken for granted. I've lost ALOT of money over the last two years. Got to keep pushing forward. If I can do it, anyone can do it, I was mega compulsive before. Keep strong everyone, stop and don't go back.

Had urges today for the first time since I stopped gambling 24 days ago. Had a nice day out and felt relaxed. I thought it would be nice to go home and have a bet (that's the addiction talking). This is when it comes back, when you start to feel normal again. I meant what I said when I said I'm never going back to it. Luckily I know what these urges will lead to so no way Jose! Urges have passed and I'm content knowing I will not gamble.

Good on ya for staying strong Tom! Seems like your really determined to kick it for good.

I know exactly what you mean about the urges. I'm a few days off you as yet but was tempted at the weekend when I got a promo email for an enhanced price on the football from a bookie I hadn't SE from (totally forgotten). Wanted to bet as I liked the odds, but resisted. The thought of having to reset my day count on my profile pulled me back down to earth.

Stay strong mate!

RA

Thanks RA! Honestly, before now I'd have brushed the 14k debt to one side and had a bet. Or rather, got comfortable with the debt and thought nothing of sticking another £1000 on a game, crazy! Can't go back to sleepless nights, anxiety 24/7 and guilt! Keep strong RA. We can do this!

Well another Saturday and not a penny spent on gambling. Today was a typical trigger day too. Mrs out, not much going on, loads of football to bet on.... Had an urge too but had a word with myself and knocked it on the head. 28 days gamble free and counting....

I defiantly would have lost on the football today mate, would have been chasing the loss tonight. So glad not to be doing that anymore.

Hi Tom, what a great positive read.you should change the thread so it goes in diary section as that is where it belongs. People will take a lot of inspiration from it.

KTF

Hey Oldham I think I will do that now. Thanks for the comments. Going into Monday after another gamble free weekend.

31 days free now folks and starting to really feel settled again. I think about gambling less, in fact I'm astonished that I ever got caught up in it but arn't we all! I have had urges but quickly remembered the despair of going back to gambling. I've relapsed many times before but not going back this time. Loving just chilling on the sofa tonight, no feelings of guilt or despair. I know I'll be going to sleep tonight very easily. Will be paying off £500 of my 14k debt over the next couple of days, a step in the right direction.

Felt pretty rubbish today. Woke up like it. The gravity of what I've done has really hit me for the first time. 60 - 70k spent and 14k in debt. What have I got to show for it, nothing. I think the value of money is starting to become realistic again. When I was gambling I certainly didn't value money. I'd think nothing of sticking £1000 on a football match, now I'm bothered by spending £20! I'm 34 days gamble free, no urge to go back to it. I guess this feeling down about ever getting tied up in gambling is part of me coming out the other side.

So this month I've paid £700 off debts. It actually feels quite empowering.

Thanks Emily

It's been an emotional roller coaster but that's starting to calm down now. My feeling are becoming more consistent with feeling normal. Can't wait to be debt free! I'm going to be celebrating that one! Quite a while to go but all I need to do is keep paying it off. Like the debts mounted up, they'll keep going down as I keep throwing money at them X

41 days and going strong.

I've been thinking today, "do I miss gambling?". The side of it that makes you feel invincible, probably yes. And that's what is so evil about it. It makes you feel good whilst also destroying you at the same time. It's Saturday tomorrow, a big day of sport ahead. I won't be taking any notice. I've got lots planned. Off out with my son for some quality time then back for some nice food and more quality time just being with my family. I used to do this whilst gambling on my phone, I was there with them physically but never mentally. All that mattered was waiting for a notification to sound, a goal to go in, a win! Then only to lose it all and chase all weekend. No way Jose! Not no more. 41 days free, looking into the future and it's good.

Keep strong soldiers, keep your guard up and if you ever get the urge just remember the misery gambling brings.

Have a good weekend everyone.