Hello all,
A quick introduction - I've been gambling for 30 years, mostly on horses, football, poker but if there was a bet to be had, I'd usually have a bet on it - golf, poker, cricket, tennis, boxing even some random motorbike race in USA. It's been 30 years of hurt mainly. There have been the occasional double fist pump wins but mainly losses and complete misery.
Anyway, in August 2014 after a horrific run I had my last bet and made a conscious decision to stop gambling. I've tried to stop gambling many times but this time, I'd had enough. 30 years is a long time to get beaten up by gambling.
I took it one day at a time. I downloaded a hypnosis MP3 and listened to it every day. Unbelievably, I wasn't thinking about gambling that much and was really focussed on stopping. I'm not saying that the hypnosis was key but it definately helped me. So one day at a time, I have now managed to be 10 months off gambling.
My life today is a completely different life. I am a lot healthier in body and in mind. I eat better, I look after myself. I have a better relationship with my kids and my wife now. Money worries are still there but no-where near as bad. I'm a lot more social now and find myself attracting new friends - maybe more positive people now.
It's like I have been given a new chance, a new start. It's been tough, but I want a better life now. I am amazed I've stopped gambling and no longer gamble. It's a great feeling. Every day I feel like I've won!
Thanks for your post - I hope I can get to 10 months and beyond and feel like that too...
Hi Tulsit,
Well done you! We are very happy for you, and pleased to hear about the progress you are making as regards your 30 years of gambling.
Your story is a real encouragement to others too; that they shouldn’t give up trying to quit gambling. That there’s hope for others too if they stick to the advice on strategies and boundaries.
Gamcare can refer callers to 12 sessions of free counselling, if that would help them to overcome their gambling problem but, we don’t do hypnosis.
Your recovery is great news, and thanks for sharing it in the forum.
Keep up the good work, and keep posting!
Regards,
Beatrice
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