Helpful apps ?

15 Posts
6 Users
0 Likes
2,306 Views
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Hi

Just wondering if anyone got any apps they recommend more of as a useful distraction or self help ie mental health, budgeting even games etc ?. To do instead when thinking about gambling

Not into mindfulness such as headspace or anything like that though.

Lou x

 

 
Posted : 15th July 2021 6:59 pm
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Spent some time looking through android store haven't really found anything ..maybe the app I'm thinking of doesn't even exist !

 
Posted : 15th July 2021 11:55 pm
c43h
 c43h
(@c43h)
Posts: 607
 

App choices are as diverse as the beings that chose them ie many and different but if you are asking about an app that will take your thoughts of the game that is something I have no idea about. And frankly telling you to get hooked on Tiktok is not going to cut it when it comes to reduce your addiction to gambling.

What you are saying though is that you want a substitute for gambling addiction and that can be done by getting out of your environment and doing new and exciting things. Try walking if that hasn't be done. try going down to a gym try fishing. Important to do a 360 and walk in the other direction. Don't get me wrong. The apps and computers are not going anywhere but the substitutes should be outside that field to give you some new balance. If you do the same you get more of the same if you do different you get different. Try it

Best

C

 

 
Posted : 16th July 2021 5:56 am
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

I'm not looking for a substitute I'm just wondering what's out there is there self help apps etc ? Just something different as I have a new phone. 

I can't get out my environment Atm I have horrendous anxiety and its something working towards long term...just wondered if there was any thing out there to just look at on phone that might help when I use it. I don't mean to get hooked on or spend all my time on

 

 
Posted : 16th July 2021 4:33 pm
Joydivider
(@joydivider)
Posts: 2156
 

Hi loux.

Its one of the strongest addictions going. Very little is more dangerous than a gambling addiction.

Its a monumental scam and drug addiction. The people who are supposed to protect you have some serious questions to answer and thats putting it mildly Believe me that day will come. The people that allowed gambling and deregulation of gambling have released hell on earth

Therfore you have to give it the respect and fear that it deserves.

You need a telephone and strong measures like gamblers anaonymous meetings. You need to be doing the exercises of talking it through with family and non gamblers.

This isnt about little apps. You have to do the work now of searching to the core of your soul and healing from an addiction that you can never be complacent about for the rest of your life.

You need to find out who you really are and what makes you tick. If you have any spare time after that then yes try and entertain yourself in a wholesome way

Problem gamblers often have an ill relationship with life. It is indeed a mental illness. You have a proper recovery to do and if you are doing it right you wont be thinking that the answer is an app.

The answers are within you to find your way. Follow the trusted advice and get your money protected. This addiction runs deep and you need all the help and positive human contact you can get

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

This post was modified 3 years ago by Joydivider
 
Posted : 16th July 2021 6:31 pm
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Thanks but your all overthinking this I know the answer just isn't an app it's only one of many tools I don't need telling its not a solution I've been gamble free a long time I was just adding to my tools 

 
Posted : 16th July 2021 7:08 pm
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Just to make it clear I'm not looking for advice on how to stay gamble free I know I am gamble free i have blocks and ga isn't for me

It was misunderstood my question it was just another random tool as I had previously heard someone mention something around a helpful app before. 

This post was modified 3 years ago by Loux
 
Posted : 16th July 2021 7:17 pm
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Ah just been told by a helpful mod there's the gambling therapy app it's by Gordon Moody. Offers different tools. That's more what I was looking for 

 
Posted : 16th July 2021 7:28 pm
c43h
 c43h
(@c43h)
Posts: 607
 

Looking to deal with anxiety is a good thing. Not easy to see what you needed as we are used to talking with newbies who are looking for gambling advice. 

I would direct you towards youtube. You have some good self-help for anxiety release. Look up Melissa Tiers a hypnotist from New York. They just finished a mental health video where you get good advice that works directly. Such as bilateral stimulation exercises and peripheral vision exercises. These tools can help you get calm real quick so go in there and have a look you will find things that will work for you.

Best

C

 

This post was modified 3 years ago by c43h
 
Posted : 16th July 2021 7:58 pm
Forum admin
(@forum-admin)
Posts: 5944
Admin
 

Hello Loux and others,

In case anyone wants to find it, the app that was mentioned above is the Gambling Therapy App: https://www.gamblingtherapy.org/gambling-therapy-presents-gt-app/

The Gambling Therapy App offers a self-assessment tool, mindfulness and self-help exercises, information about blocking strategies and access to 1:1 livechat support.

Gambling Therapy is a website developed by the Gordon Moody Association who, like us, are part of the National Gambling Treatment Service. Gordon Moody Association offer residential rehab, and through the Gambling Therapy website they offer online live support, online groups, an online forum and information in a range of languages.

There are many tools out there to help with problem gambling, apps included, and it's fine to discuss those here. All we'd say is run any links past us before posting (just email forum.admin@gamcare.org.uk), because we don't allow promotion of goods and services on the forum.

Different strategies suit different folks. What works for you might not work for others and we'd ask all forum users to be mindful of that when offering advice.

Best wishes,

Deirdre
Forum Admin

This post was modified 3 years ago by Forum admin
 
Posted : 16th July 2021 9:19 pm
(@stace)
Posts: 435
 

Lou if you type into Google...free (name what your looking for, for example mental health or gambling) apps, loads come up. Then just try a few out until you find one that suits what your looking for. Theres so many out there. Mental health teams can sometimes suggest really good ones, maybe give them a ring Monday and ask. Hope you find one that suits you.

Stace

 
Posted : 16th July 2021 10:13 pm
Joydivider
(@joydivider)
Posts: 2156
 

Ok loux I understand what you are saying but when I see a title called "helpful apps" I bring it upon myself to stress or remind you what you are dealing with here.

If it was as simple as an app a video or a book there would be little problem.

Im saying it takes years of help and everything you can reference. I believe the journey starts closer to home and is shaped by our personalities and anxieties.

Gambling is a drug addiction and that was the biggest step forward for me in referencing material. You need to be referencing the deep psychological thoughts that c43h and others will talk about.

Im wary of one main self help book. By all means read all you can but it takes a wealth of information in finding out who you really are and why you are vulnerable to it.

I keep it in the present tense because I know I can never be complacent for the rest of my life. I think its the drug I would turn to if I lost all control again or lost all hope.

Im strong and positive but I have clear memories of an addiction that completely controlled me.

Its not about patronising you. I dont think there is a simple answer in terms of self help apps. Different people are going to use different thought processes to reach the peace of mind needed.

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

 
Posted : 19th July 2021 8:50 am
(@lastchance12072021)
Posts: 29
 

Hi lou i find the i am sober app works really well is timer and other featues and pop up quotes and way to pop up individual reasons and pictures to help motivation. Hope this helps, your doing great keep it going.

 
Posted : 22nd July 2021 2:18 pm
(@lastchance12072021)
Posts: 29
 

This is actual very insightful few paragraphs , agree with it all and likely help anyone that read it . Its true this is long term and need lots of different weapons in our defence and even then alas sometimes enough. But as long as we keep trying and learning , all we can do. I agree with lou various apps can be super helpful to occupy mind and remind imo i dont think she was anyway saying a magic bullet or all needs to do , shes aware many many other things need to be doing and putting in place. Keep it going lou.

This post was modified 3 years ago 2 times by lastchance12072021
 
Posted : 22nd July 2021 5:52 pm
 Loux
(@loux)
Posts: 848
Topic starter
 

Thankyou Last that's exactly what I mean

I'm not looking for a magic fix I know it takes lots and lots of hard work and resilience/ tools/ determination.

It was just an innocent post asking if anyone knew of any helpful apps maybe I should have made it more clear.

Lou x

 
Posted : 27th July 2021 8:40 am

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.

Find out more
Close