Hi, I have gambled again after 3 weeks gamble free. This may not seem like a long time but I was quite happy with it. I have just gambled again for no real reason. I did actually win on this session. Not a lot £300. Although I just don’t feel right. I won the money but I am more annoyed about starting gambling again. I would rather have not gambled than won the money. I am just hoping I can stop now and start my gamble free again.
Triggers are weared things but they are there and they will get you going. The industry knows this so they will be sending you emails, text messages radio adverts and of course TV. That is very hard to fend off. That is why you need to be a bit kinder to yourself when things go wrong. Stand up brush of and walk on. Have a chat with the teams here and share. You will find enough positive affirmations to keep on going. I normally say this as a joke but with a sense of seriousness. Next time you win 300 pounds give it away to someone. That will tell your brain fast that gambling is no solution to the problem it just prolongs it.
Best
C
Well said the worst thing that can happen is for you is win , it just encourages and triggers more gambling .
I don't know why you went back to gambling again but I think that you are not ready to stop gambling all together otr you not put barriers in place we always says in GA meetings is to hand over your money over to some body whom you can trust keep to a meeting asp most meetings are now in zoom
Well done on the 3 weeks gf, but sorry to here you relapsed
Do you have blocks or self exclusion in place ?
There are many tools to help you get back up and not relapse. Prevention is key which is self exlusion...if you gamble online i recommend signing up to gamstop which is a self exclusion site
also downloading gamban which is free via gamcare can help you block sites
If you gamble at venues there is also self exclusion tools.
Another option is getting a banking block many banks are starting to offer blocks on gambling transaction.
I hope you are back on your recovery journey dont beat yourself up to much about relapse they happen, most important thing is tp think what you can do to prevent it happening again and getting the blocks in place
Lou x
You can't escape the whole of life..it's impossible. Can control the things that are in are hands, gambling blocks good, they can do so much but can't control every advert,emails ect. There comes a time when we have to realise the most powerful tool we have is ourselves. As hard as that may be it's nessesary at the end of all the help and advice that your hands are the most important weapon in defeating the demon. Press the button to gamble or don't press it. That's all it comes down to in the end. Our own choice to take or leave.
I agree with chezzy in terms of you have to decide you want to stop and its our own choices .
but personally i know its not as easy as just deciding wether to press a button or not, if it was that easy none of would be seeking support on here.
Thats why blocks are vital for when the urges come, thats where the blocks can protect you. The blocks are a vital part of recovery.
Also it might be helpful getting treatment through gamcare to help deal with your thoughts around gambling such as counselling or cbt.
Its hard to just stop you need the support and tools along the way, the helpline and chatrooms are also very helpful and supportive.
Lou x
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