[Brendan_UT]

Feeling positive the last few days, even with the weather turning south.

Will try and make a few of the chat groups tomorrow.

-B

[Brendan_UT]

I applaud you for making the courageous decision to tell your mum and beginning down the road to recovery.

I have also just begun to face my problem. I hope to see more posts from you.

-Brendan

[Brendan_UT]

Thank you so much for checking in. My wife and kiddo arrived late last night.

I agree that physical activity is an excellent tool for fighting temptation. Great suggestion! Walking and listening to a podcast sounds meditative.

Hope you are doing well and I will continue to give updates.

One thing that is really strange is there was so much tension between us when she was gone and since she has been home, you would think that things were good between us and then some. Feels real strange to me.

[Brendan_UT]

Jarvis,

I am rooting for you.

The long journey towards a healthy, gamble-free life has just begun for me. The first and hardest step is to realize that we need help. If we want to quit, it is crucial that we give up control of our money. This does not make you less of a man. In fact, squaring up to your problems and facing them head on encompasses many characteristics that I would define as manly, such as bravery, being steadfast, etc.

I hope to see you more on here.

-brendan

[Brendan_UT]

Thank you for your comment.

[Brendan_UT]

The chat groups are a great resource. Amazing feature.

Wife is away for several days. No real temptation, but overall feeling alone and a little low.

[Brendan_UT]

Still going strong. No real temptations and I have been keeping myself busy.

The one thing that has been the hardest is how distant my spouse has been with me. I can tell that deep down, she does not trust me, and at times it feels like she is just tolerating me being around. Kills me inside, but I feel helpless and hope that time and my being consistent will help repair things.

[Brendan_UT]

Thanks for taking the time to respond and as you noted, we have some strong similarities in our problem gambling/addictions.

So far, I have not had any real urges. The key for me is making positive friends and staying busy. So far, so good. I know that my test will come at some point down the road.

Thanks again for the thoughtful post and I can’t argue against anything that you have shared–all excellent and helpful points!

[Brendan_UT]

Appreciate you sharing this. Gives me a lot of hope as I am new to the site and newer to facing my problem (first year fighting the fight)

[Brendan_UT]

I am new to site and forum. I wish you well on your road to recovery.

I have a few questions/recommendations:
1) have you told anyone in your personal life about your struggles?

2) it might be a good idea to have a trusted friend or family member monitor your accounts just to add some level of accountability.

3). Something that I am working on is identifying my triggers and then identify coping techniques that I can do in advance to counter the triggers that lead to my compulsive urges.

Hope to chat with you and others.

[Brendan_UT]

I’d like to add that any advice, recommendations, etc. would be helpful!

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