What even is "control"?

Another Monday morning, another week GF. Weeks are passing as what days used to in terms of the urges to gamble. Which is good, they are few and far between

Hi egdam, it sounds like you're doing well. I got to a point where I stopped counting the days as well. In a weird way, actually counting the days reminded me of the addiction too much and I felt it was always on my mind. Sometimes the best thing to do is almost try and "forget" we're addicted and just live day to day like as normal.

Also, sorry to read about your granddad. All the best.

Hi Martin,

Im doing very well. This has been the easiest time I have ever quit. I think its largely due to that book that I've mentioned above. its very good adn very clever.

Agreed - the more I remind myself of the days, the more I think about it. Although thats ok, im not going to go running around pretending gambling doesnt exist, because it does. Its everywhere. Something as simple as a raffle is a gamble in a pure form. I am accepting living my life with it surrounding (especially given my love of sport).

E

Checking in. Its been 2 days, 2 more GF days 🙂 How is everyone??

Morning all, sorry for the lack of posts. Been really busy at work and stuff. Im still gamble free - boom boom!!

Got a lot to talk about when i get the chance.

E

Morning all

Had a nutty time recently. Health scares, family bereavement, moving house. Its all accumulated in me being very stressed out. I do however think gambling is out of my system, for good. I havent turned to or even thought about gambling.

I won the prediction competition that I was in at work for the WC before I became gamble free. £100 was a nice win from that but has not triggered me, neither has the cash coming in from winning bets on WC (again placed pre GF). It will all accumulate to take the GF away I think.

Im making plans for later in the year also, I am going on a solo holiday to Sweden, I want to see the world. I might as well whilst I am young. I am not paying hundreds per month on gambling anymore. Instead I can sit sweetly knowing that I can go on 3/4 holidays per year, treat the OH, be financially secure. Trust me, if you haven't given up gambling yet, do it. Its the best thing you can do, you're not losing out on anything, in fact you will gain so much from life.

My next thing to give us is sugar. I think that might be harder than gambling for me, but maybe not. Both things I have been addicted to for years. I will keep everyone updated on my sugar situation lol.

E

Morning all, 50th GF day today. Cause for celebration.

BOOM

E

Good morning all.

10 days since I last checked in, (in this thread at least anyway). i've been super ridiculously busy, but I've been enjoying gamble free life!

this is my third payday gamble free. I am paying significant amounts of my income towards my gambling debts each month. As I'm now in a debt management plan [have been for a year or so actually]. But I've been putting away some of my savings each month and on this third payday had enough to treat myself to a gaming PC with the money I've saved from not gambling.

Not too bad aye.

There are so many positives to be gained from quitting gamblign that I just couldn't see until before now. I move house over the next week or so, I dont expect to be on much. But note, I've now got a clear head and can see sense. Happily having not gambled for so long.

E

Morning all.

Sorry for lack of updates. Im still GF, the book (the easy way) worked a dream. No cravings at all.

Moved house this week - much nicer house. Enjoying the finer things in life

E

Wow, so over 2 months since I joined and posted. Thats 3 paydays since, I've got to say that in my opinion. Quitting gambling is all around momentum. Once you realise that when you quit, you're not missing out on anything, you're gaining, then you stay gamble free for a day.

You build some momentum.

Day turns into a week,

Week turns into a month and so on.

E

Wow so 3 weeks since I updated this.

So time for a heafty "pour your heart out" update.

They say 90 days to break an addiction, well I hit that Sunday. I can honestly say that I hardly ever think about gambling anymore. I've never felt so free.

Gambling wasn't about money for me (apart from the few and far between seirous losses). It was about time, health, happiness, family. I have replaced the gambling time with those things. I spent [or saved] the moeny that I'd have spent gambling on worthwile things however, actual hobbies and interests, hobbies.

I may sound like a broken record, but the easy way book really REALLY helped me. The psychological aspect of it, the behaviour and thoughts around gambling are what was affecting me and seeing gamblign for what it actually is (a false pleasure) helped.

Thanks

E

If Im not mistaken, I smashed through 100 days this week 😀

Hi Edgam,

congratulations on 100 days gamble free!

Keep up the good work and keep posting.

All the very best,

Eva

Forum Admin

Congrats Egdam, 100 days is a very nice milestone to hit. Just like any other day you have to be careful but you've shown everyone and yourself that you can do it.

Keep making everyday count!

All the best.

Thanks both,

I got there, im still GF and in honesty im not even thinking about gambling. I just read "problem gambling" on this site as "protein gains" weirdly. (It is 7am!!)