Tricky

You could go and just not participate in the bingo? You've come 83 days I'm sure you could go and watch the band and have a drink after, without playing bingo? Surely you could watch instead of playing. Enjoy yourself, you are going to come across a situation where you are in a position to gamble sooner or later. This will be an incredible test to prove to yourself that you have finally cracked it for good. Hope this helped.

Yes you're right, there will always be events that crop up. Only thing is that with the bingo being free my friend may question why I'm not playing. I'm just not ready for that conversation right now. I think I'll end up playing, so it'll be my test to see if I can continue to stay away from the slots and online slots. I've played bingo many times and never felt the same way as I do with slots

Hi Becky,

I think for me the issue will be if you win. You will have to walk past the machines that you see flashing as you walk in. You are at 85 days GF now and doing really well so it would be a shame to fall back into the routine just to chase the win again.

I found telling my work colleagues and family about my addiction to be a relief and they said they perfectly understood. I’m sure your friend would also.

Good luck what ever you decide. 🙂

CJ.

Hi becky,

I have assume Gamstop works for you for online slots ?

I personally think its fantastic as it just removes all temptation.

Do you want to put temptation in your way in the bingo hall ? It would be a risk for me so early in recovery.

The best solution would be to tell your friend, but I understand that can be difficult.

Becky,

I have read your previous post several times and have been caught in two minds whether to comment or not.

Here goes.

You could go to the bingo and gamble - worst case scenario.

You could go to the bingo and not gamble. That would be great........ but could put you in a false state where you think being in gambling establishments offers no threat to you. It might not this time but it could one day in the future.

You could tell your friend and she is great about it. Understanding etc.

You could tell your friend and instantly regret it.

Personally, I would phone in sick. Don’t go, don’t tell anybody. Apologise profusely and rearrange a nice night with the same people at a local pub for a quiet drink.

I don’t like to give advice like this. This is your recovery. You do what you think is best. You are doing a super job and seem to be a lovely person.

Tomso

If Mr L was proposing an evening in a gambling establishment my answer would be a very short sharp 'no'. If there's no-one who can step in for you it would be preferable just to make an excuse and write off the costs. Why play with fire?

Thank you for all your comments, advice and suggestions.

I am still undecided with what to do. Its true, if I was to win, would this be a temptation.

I don't want to cancel completely on my friend as she has spent alot of money on tickets, hotel and train, so I will still attend the gig, but may ask if we can leave prior to the bingo. I don't think I'm ready to tell her the reason why, so I may say I'm unwell after the gig, so at least she will get to do most of it.

I think I have to accept I'll always be exposed to slot machines, they are at the pub, train stations and service stations, all of which I visit regularly. I just have to see how I get on.

Hi Becky,

Absolutely right that you are exposed to them everywhere you go. The issue is in a bingo hall the excitement of winning is more intensified and they have a higher concentration of gaming machines.

Only you can make the decision about whether you want to kick gambling totally and beat it or if you want to go to bingo which is gambling.

I’ve done most forms and decided I can’t do half measures. If I quit I quit then all.

I don’t need to gamble to be happy as since I’ve admitted my addiction I’ve been the happiest I’ve been in years 🙂

I wish you all the luck in making your decision and whatever you decide will be your decision that feels right for you. Not me or the next person 🙂

Take care and most of all enjoy yourself with your friend.

CJ.