[Coaster76]

I don’t know what has happened to me? On the 20th December I put my last bets on, as usual hard luck story of losing by half point on basketball , then my darts treble went down, and finally my footy acca blew out. Lost just under 100 quid again just before Xmas . I was so angry with what I had done, next day I got up and big bash cricket was in and I thought I’d probably chase on that on my way to work .
As I drove to work I just thought no more , I just don’t want that sinking feeling anymore, that guilt , hating myself and that feeling of what the hell am I doing? Month after month going without things due to gambling . I reckon 2016 I was between 1.5 – 2 k down in total . I could have done so much more , since the 20th I haven’t had one urge to gamble , even more surprising with all the sport and time off over festive season .
For 23 years I have gambled, slowly getting worse and gambling overtaking me , especially my emotions and mental well being. I’ve never ever thought that was it, yes I’ve given up for week/ 2 weeks before but in the back of my mind I always knew I’d go back or I’d think I could bet maybe only weekends and control and before you know it you’re back gambling every day and it’s the only thing I can think of.
Since Xmas I have stopped I feel so much better, I’ve joined a gym to help keep me busy , I have more time for people and of course more money.
Yes it’s only been 15 days but I feel I can beat it and stay off gambling , I guess the rest will come when I get that urge, only then will I know if my resolve will be strong and I ride it out .
Please all who is on this site do everything you can to beat this, I know I’ll never be able to gamble normally so total abstinence is the only way for me and as I type this tonight I feel great for doing it.

[Jxexnx]

Well done, nice to hear some positives hopefully the gym will give you more motivation as you feel the benefits. And if not hopefully you will be too tired after a work out lol X x

[monique]

Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you ??

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[monique]

Just another personal word of welcome. Also well done on what you have achieved so far – and best wishes for the journey ahead. Use all the support you can find on here and elsewhere, as appropriate.
I also note that there are two threads in your name – do stick to writing on just one, so that it is easier for you to see replies and for others to follow your posts, too.

Best wishes,

Monique

[Coaster76]

Thank you for your reply, still long way to go match your brilliant effort. I’m an obsessive person, thinker so I’m hoping the gym will help when I’m bored and when I’d normally gamble. So far so good but I know this may not last , still, I feel good this morning and not one urge to gamble .

[Coaster76]

Hi Monique ,

I realised I saved my message twice in error , so I’ll only post on one thread . All good again this morning , thank you for your reply.

[i-did-it]

HI Coaster- what a great thread to read first thing in the morning- very upbeat and motivating.
I am sooo happy to read of your success.
-don’t let anyone burst your bubble or knock you off the course you are now on.
Some people truly believe that their way is the only way and don’t realise the damage their negativity can do .
Keep doing everything you are doing and enjoy the great life you are building !

[Coaster76]

Well I knew once festive period was over and ‘normality ‘ resumed this was when the real test would come. Mega tempted today, walked down high street to get some bits from shops and so fancied a bet on the footy this afternoon , miserable weather , nothing on tv , perfect storm for a bet .
Cut to chase and I didn’t gamble, my feelings that it felt different this time obviously not the case. Got busy day planned tomo so I’ll be fine then, I guess it’s these ‘normal ‘ nothing days that are dangerous , still I’ve done 18 days now and feel fine as I type , determination strong and I know how I’d be feeling right now whether I’d won or lost, it’s just not worth it.

[Jonny123987]

Good work on not gambling!

[charles]

Hi Coaster. How about getting yourself banned from those bookies that you had to walk past? I read on another thread that you have a bookies 200yards away from your house? That should be the first one you exclude from.

Keep posting.

[Autor]

Entradas