Hello everybody, I posted the other day about how it was my 3rd time back here, well I’m going to use this thread as a place to record my progress/milestones. It’s been a tough first week, but I’m doing well. Today I was paid and managed to set up some arrangements to pay off my debts, I’d like to look back at this post in 6 months time as say I did it, if all goes to plan I should be debt free by December. I return to work properly on Monday for the first time since lockdown started and I’m looking forward to it, it will be a good distraction from everything else and will be good to catch up with everyone. Today I also spoke to a practitioner who works for Krysallis and we organised a assessment for next Friday, which is a huge step for me as I’m usually very nervous on the phone, I’ll let you all know how it goes. In a short amount of time, what Gamcare/Krysallis have done for me is really appreciated and I’m more confident than ever, with their help I can beat this horrible addiction. Today feels like day one as I’ve made some huge steps and I will be using this thread from now on. Feel free to comment anything you may feel will help me on this journey. The first day of the rest of my life.
Best Wishes,
David.
Really nice to read such a positive start to your forum thread. I’m sure you may experience good days and bad along your journey but it’s obvious to see you are in a great place psychologically at the moment. ?
7 days in, I must admit it’s been a lot easier than I expected but I know it’s just the start. Tomorrow I have my first counselling session over the phone, although I’m nervous I’m looking forward to hearing what they have to say. My first week back at work has been enjoyable and really took my mind off the gambling. Feeling really positive at the moment and although it’s only 7 days, it’s a good start. Hope everyone is doing well and staying safe.
Best Wishes.
David
Today I’m 16 days in and feeling great. I’ve had my first counselling assessment session and that went very well, Lauren at Kyrsallis was easy to speak to and umderstood my problems very well. Work has been going okay, I’ve now been paid twice since I had my last bet and haven’t really been tempted at all. Sounds silly but I dreamt that I had a bet the other night and was devastated afterwards, was relived when I woke up knowing it wasn’t real. Everything is going well so far however and I hope everyone else is doing well.
All the best.
David.
Well done keep up the good work
Tomorrow marks 3 weeks gamble free. I haven’t got too much to say, I’m just on here reading everybody posts and they really do help me, GamCare really is amazing! You are all so helpful to me and anybody reading this, thank you for taking your time to do so. My debts are getting smaller each week, even if it’s only by a little, but my savings are going up! I had the biggest urge to gamble so far this week, but I kept myself away! I’m proud of myself. I’ll be back after 1 month gamble free. Take care everyone.
David.
26 days gamble free! Haven’t got too much to say but just wanted to record my progress. I had a great chat with one of the counsellors from Krysallis this morning, they really are so helpful and we discussed some goals for both this week and long term. Hope everyone is doing well.
David.
Well done David. You're doing great!!! I am one day short of 30 days and although I've had some up and down days, like you it has seemed a little easier than anticipated. I guess it is fine for us to say this as long as we are aware it only takes one major down day to test us not to ruin all the hard work. I honestly believe that for many on the forums, the biggest step is accepting your losses and moving on from them. If you can genuinely reach the point where you know the losses are gone and you can't chase them any longer, the easier the next phase of the journey becomes.
Thank you for the comment @mythdunk and well done on the 29 days so far, that’s a great achievement and it feels really good. I have now accepted that all that money I’ve lost in the past is gone, I’m never getting it back. Financially I’m already in a better place than I was and my debts are slowly going down. I know that one little bet could destroy all of this, I’m almost one month in but I understand this is a addiction I will have for life. Payday used to be gambling day, now I look at it as one week closer to be debt free. In a really good place right now but I keep reminding myself this is just the start of a very long journey.
Day 28- seriously tempted to do a bet this morning as I’m off work and there is plenty of rugby on the TV. Come here to take my mind off it and to see how well I’ve done so far. I don’t want to ruin it all for one little bet. Hope everyone is going okay.
David.
May I suggest not watching the rugby? We say the same to those who bet on horse racing so the same applies. If you are getting jittery and you won't yet enjoy the sport for what it is but as a dozen betting opportunities, find something else to do.
If you can get through the feeling today then focus on tomorrow then. I'd actually make a show about it. I'd jump in the car, maybe go for a drive to the shore or the forest, leave your phone behind so you can't go online and return once the feeling has passed. Or change the channel and watch something else.
Have you put certain blocks in place, i.e Gamstop and bank gambling transaction blocks?
Those will help.
Chris.
Hi Chris, thanks for the advice. I didn’t place a bet, I kept strong, I use gamstop and have no access to online betting. Today I’m going to call the company MOSES I believe it is, so I can ban myself from betting shops in my area. I’m currently watching/ enjoying the game this morning. I don’t want to stop watching as it’s something I really love, with or without a bet.
Hi David,
I'm probably after the game now so it doesn't matter but if next time you find yourself thinking about the odds on each team or total points, and so on, rather than the game, just remove yourself from the situation.
Moses is good too, another useful block. Be as thorough on that as you can, try not to leave a gap that your addict could exploit.
Keep up the good work.
Chris.
30 days and feel great... this could actually be the longest I’ve ever gone without betting since the age of 18, crazy! But I’m so much happier already. Here’s to the next 30 days, months, years 🙂
30 days in which the bookmakers couldn’t get access to your finances David. Small steps indeed but it felt great to pass the 30 day streak didn’t it ?
glad you resisted the recent temptation, think how awful you’d be feeling now if you had of cracked? I haven’t had a serious urge yet but I’m sure it’s just around the corner.
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