Hi all! Two weeks ago, after about 10 years of gambling and ruining my life, I decided enough was enough. I realise 2 weeks is nothing in the grand scheme of things, but I'm feeling proud of myself. I just wanted to share some of my experiences from the past two weeks to see if others can relate.
The first massive thing for me has been having a structure/plan for my day. Dangerous times for me were the period of 3/4 hours between when I get home from work and my partner does. That time would pretty much always be non-stop gambling. So filling that time with positive things has been key. For example I will get home, do whatever housework needs doing (brownie points), then I'll go for a run/work out, get showered, then allow myself an hour or so to play on my playstation/watch a tv show. Having a plan in place has really worked wonders. Less time to think about gambling.
Secondly, having people to talk to. I have been texting my mother and talking to my girlfriend daily. Even if it's just a 'hey I'm on day 12'. Their encouragement gives my a good feeling inside. And when you're feeling down or thinking about gambling, talking with trusted people can really help I've found.
Dreaming about gambling has been a weird one, this has happened on a few occasions and I wake up covered in sweat. It feels so real. Does anybody else have this?
Energy levels are a lot higher for me without gambling I have noticed too. No more staying up late staring at my phone, or ignoring loved ones staring at my phone.
I hope to keep on the right path and hopefully I can update again after one month free of this demon.
Thank you for reading, Ben.
Hello Ben,
Well done on 2 weeks GF, its still very early days for you and you have to keep taking it a day at a time (we all do, forever). It's about finding what works for you to say off the bet and slowly start to work out why you have gambled to a destructive level. Just like anything, somedays are harder than others. Glad to hear you have people to talk to openly in the real world, that helped me massively. Would also advise counselling if its available to you. I had 12x1 hour phone conselling free of charge.
I also had them dreams and on many occasions had to check my bank account to make sure it wasn't true.
Keep going 🙂
All the best.
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