So I finally went ahead and self excluded the final site I had access to and I have also registered with gamstop... I have spent about a week talking myself in to it and have finally accepted that it is the only way forward...
For the most part I feel relieved, but also a little lost... gambling and my many issues surrounding gambling consume so much of my thoughts and time that now I feel a little confused as to what to even think about...
I now have a journey to start in getting better but not having the access will certainly assist with that. I have a debt to repay too, its relatively small compared to previous debts I have racked up but it just means I'm not going to enjoy any 'spare' money for a while but at least I can start working towards having that spare money to treat myself and my kids like other people. But the important thing is I wont be adding to this debt like I normally would be by gambling.
It's got to be onwards and upwards from now on...
Well done!!! You won’t regret it.
Great news! and you maybe a bit unsure at present but you will begin to realise its the best thing you could have done.
As part of your recovery focus on what gambling did to you and keep focusing on that. If you feel stong enough write down what you threw away. On those odds you threw it away
Try and explain a gambling session to a non gambler because it all helps reset the mind by giving you another reality check. The non gambler wont understand because it makes no sense. It only makes sense when they understand what addiction is and how it works
Next you can get financial advice so any repayments are what you can afford. Gambling was never the answer and you can manage your financial affairs much better. Believe me the money will add up.
I blew thousands every year so obviously I now have that money and it goes far because I have a healthy realtionship with life now.
Best wishes
Thanks guys, I'm feeling positive. Knowing I can't gamble has reduced the amount of time I think (and stress) about gambling. So I have started my Monday off relatively stress free. In the past I haven't ever gone to great lengths to gamble, I only do it when I can and the online access always meant I can 24/7 so now I'm hoping that without access it will be easier to just abstain.
Here is a trick that might help...
When you pass a mirror, look yourself in the face as if it were someone else, and tell them out loud "I don't gamble!" Do it every time...until it becomes a habit...do it in the street to with shop windows...
It is powerful reinforcement... And see if you don't get a buzz out of that...
It is a great feeling to walk past a betting shop, see yourself in the window as you say "I don't gamble" as you walk past...
Well done....
Well done, you definitely won't regret it, honestly the best thing I did was to register with gamstop and gamban, I can't access anything now and if ever I get an urge too I simply can't
Good luck x
I wish you all the best Nat. Yes I remember when my mind was consumed with thoughts of gambling and how to increase the odds in my favour. What a waste of my life spending years doing that. Set yourself a new goal doing something you've always wanted to do like seeing your favourite band/show live. Going on holiday and saving for it. Weekend in London, go travelling. There are so many new experiences out there and then you have those positive memories forever. Check out a website called 'Meet ups' for new hobbies and meeting new people.
Stay strong.
Stuart
Here is a trick that might help...
When you pass a mirror, look yourself in the face as if it were someone else, and tell them out loud "I don't gamble!" Do it every time...until it becomes a habit...do it in the street to with shop windows...
It is powerful reinforcement... And see if you don't get a buzz out of that...
It is a great feeling to walk past a betting shop, see yourself in the window as you say "I don't gamble" as you walk past...
Well done....
I love this. I am going to try this myself
Well done!!
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
