I never believed I would ever say this but I feel I'm back to my normal self and that 24/7 hunger to gamble has gone.
I would read the very kind people's posts, you know the one's that have overcome their addiction and kept in touch to show it can be beaten, and I would think that will never be me or even (nastily) give it time, they'll be back.
Last night I went to sleep thinking of what I'd do today instead reliving gambling experiences or planning todays sessios(s).
This morning I woke up the same way.
In the past my addiction was so overwhelming that it took me to the point of seriously contemplating suicide thinking it would be the only way out for me and better for my family. Luckily a very supportive doctor, counsellor and Gamcare got me through it but the addiction was still there.
Yesterday I finished the GamChange Course. It's been quite intense and I freely admit I may need to do it again if I find myself slipping.
For now though it's lovely feeling like my old self.
I know there's people on here at different stages in their addiction.
My advice to the people staying gamble free is very well done.
And my advice to the people struggling is hang on in there and use all the help that is out there. It's what I've done for the past 13-14 years.
Good luck everyone
Margy xxx
Thanks @magsy. I think I've reached or have very nearly reached 100 days gamble free. I don't really want to check as the ambition is to never gamble again in which case my streak without a bet should be immaterial. I say thanks because posts like yours can be very inspirational to the others who are still in the early stages of their recovery. It's useful to be reminded that however difficult, it can be done!
Hi Chris and MythDunk,
I haven’t played online slots since I think the 12th of August. I’ve stopped gambling many times before but started again.
Who knows I may slip again, I don’t think so but I know how insidious addiction is.
But it’s the first time I’ve felt like the old me and living in the moment and enjoying being a partner, a Mam and a Nana.
And well done MythDunk on not gambling. I know what you mean about not being sure of how many days you haven’t gambled. I haven’t been counting the days this time too.
Margy xxx
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.
