Replace gambling with…

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(@sinceninetyeight)
Posts: 65
Topic starter
 

Since 1998, I’ve gambled daily, weekly, heavily. 

today, I’ve removed all gambling apps from my phone - self excluded them, but now I need to replace the habit. I realised I had become addicted and used twitter racing as a constant but have removed that app also. I deleted FB 2 years ago as I just felt it was a negative but now need to find the alternative to twitter and gambling…

 

what have you changed? 

i am horrificly overweight and depressed so thinking of something to change my lifestyle 

 

any ideas and help would be great! 

 
Posted : 20th March 2022 7:57 pm
(@azzabazza)
Posts: 44
 

Hello,

Thanks for sharing your feelings and thoughts. I have lots of admiration for the way you’ve removed yourself from the crazy and obsessive World of social media. That takes a lot of strength in itself!

I am now 1 year GF as of yesterday.
What I discovered along my journey to date was the power of awareness/reflection which I found easiest to do when going for a walk, or even just talking to friends/other gambling addicts who can share my feelings and have some understanding.

I can share one unique (and funny) change I challenged myself too recently. I kept drinking fizzy drinks for the sake of drinking them. I wouldn’t even be thirsty, but because I was chilled I would grab one out of the fridge. So I challenged myself to do what I did with betting - remove access and replace the habit; so I stopped buying fizzy drinks to stock up on, and then found a new drink to turn to (Vimto and water) and I managed this to work for 4/5 weeks!

The point I guess is that when we put our mind to something we can achieve far more than we imagine!

 
Posted : 20th March 2022 10:00 pm
Joydivider
(@joydivider)
Posts: 2156
 

HI SNE. 

The aim of a recovery journey is to replace gambling with REALITY and not be trying to escape from facing yourself and the world around you 

You will have time to think and start looking for a routine that takes in the simple pleasures in life. Find an enjoyable walk and do it regularly.....breathe in the air and watch the sun rise in the morning.

Believe me that's its far deeper than finding a hobby. You should aim to face yourself and why you were vulnerable to gambling 

In life pushers offer us the easy fixes we can reach for.....unhealthy food  alcohol smoking and a whole range of things including gambling. The challenge is realising you can do without them and their devious motives

Reach out and tell people.....protect your money and give yourself time to think and heal your mind

I don't know what answers you are ready for yet.....its a born again journey and it goes deep because the answers are within you when truly ready

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

 
Posted : 21st March 2022 6:19 pm
(@tigger37)
Posts: 14
 

Hi Ilso replace addictions I'm new to this gambling re Overy just starting out a day at a time but I keep only lasting 24hrs however I've now made a commitment and excluded from all sites however I always have had other addictions  but gave them up I do drunk alot of diet coke but I've always done this I can't expertise as am disabled but I tend to try and read or listen to music but I'm trying on day one now yo keep this as a distraction m new to these forums but already I feel I'm getting help by reading all the stories and relating to u on replacing but I think we need to b strong u done right thing reaching for help I am awaiting a assement for treatment so early days but I am using music or reading ar mo but take one step at time it all we can do

 
Posted : 3rd April 2022 5:25 am
(@constance)
Posts: 28
 

Hi

That's going to be my challenge too.

I've had an overly busy few days which has helped as I havent had time for gambling anyway but pretty soon my life will return to normal.

I dont know how to replace it. How to fill the gap. Also there are key times when I gamble. Always when I'm on my own. Quite often as a reward to myself.  I dont have the headspace at the moment to think about it and also I'm tired and dont feel too good. Think I got that norovirus. But for now just thinking I'll binge watch The Tudors again cus I really enjoyed that so whenever I've got a bit of time I know what I'm going to do with it. One day at a time. Wish you all well.

 
Posted : 6th April 2022 10:15 am

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