Hi all,
My last bet was 13th February this year, which makes it 302 days GF! It feels so good to be able to say that, and a year ago I wouldn't have imagined getting this far. Life is better now. Life is better without gambling in it.
- I can concentrate at work and get along with colleagues a lot better.
- I'm more relaxed and can deal with every day tasks in an effective way.
- My relationship with my partner and family is so good... I have more time for my son.
- I have money in my pocket! I have been able to buy every present and wrap them all two weeks before Christmas... and I have a little weekend in Vienna to look forward to.
- My mind is clearer. I'm not worrying about where to get money from or what sort of excuse I'm going to make up this time.
This time last year I put my last couple of hundred pounds into an FOBT, in hopes that I would walk out of there with a s**t load more. I didn't, and I had no money to buy presents for anyone. Even if I did it would have gone into the machines over the next few days. As a gambler you're chasing an empty dream. An empty dream I chased for 12 years.
For those of you starting out on your gamble free journeys, know this. Everything you want in life can and will be achieved without the need to gamble. Gambling turns you into someone you're not and destroys you mentally. You can be the best version of yourself, the person you know that you really are... it is soooo possible! One day at a time, and each day gets better and better.
Sign up with Gamstop, exclude from all local bookies, talk to people, visit Gamcare, go to GA meetings, be honest with loved ones, hand over finances, allow your partner to see your experian account. If you ever get an urge to gamble, look at the bigger picture. Look at the full story. You know where it ends up.
Love to you all!
Dave,
That is a fabulous post and tremendous achievement.
I loved reading it. You’ve inspired me buddy.
That kind of post is what keeps me going.
RR
Hi RR,
Thanks so much mate.
Really glad to hear that. I don't write a lot of posts on here, but when I do a post like this the main reason is to reach out to others in hopes that it might help them... because I've been in that extremely dark place before.
I had a quick read of your initial posts and you are a lot like me in that you were a big roulette player, particularly on the FOBT's. I found that the bet limit was an amazing change. I was thoroughly addicted to the roulette game but literally felt like there was no point in playing it anymore if I couldn't stick more than £2 anymore! I just hope they start to consider limits online... but that's why Gamstop is such a must right?
Keep going pal. Time is a healer and man does it go fast!
Dave.
Yes Dave, I echo the previous poster's comments. What a fantastic achievement and the joy and excitement from the new non-gambling Dave is a joy to witness. Good for you Sir. Your advice to new members is sensible and excellent. I find GamStop to be the best thing available at the moment that helps people. Just such a shame you can't use it to share information across the gambling board, so any and all type of establishment. Its flawed in that sense as a gambler will always find an outlet to gamble if they so wish. Still, having signed up for 5 years at least it keeps me from the online casinos which are so dangerous to me personally. Enjoy your recovery, you have earned it and you inspire myself and others to join you. Thank you for still being here and posting. Don't stop! Simon.
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your post mate really appreciate it. Means a lot.
You're absolutely right. A compulsive gambler can always find a way, whether that's buying scratchcards from the local supermarket or going into an arcade or a bookies out of the area that they aren't self excluded from ..... but given that online gambling is so deadly and available 24/7, that makes Gamstop such a godsend.
I can see you've had some seriously good success in your recovery. 7 and a half years is amazing! Don't let the relapse get you down bud and keep going... we're all in this together!
All the best.
Dave.
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