[i won a new life]

Well I’ll tell my story, Been at the online gambeling for 2 year’s now, I’ve been up and down..I keep telling myself just Quit now and you will be so far ahead, no more mood swings, no more Dumping of money into the casino trying to recover losses. I always said if I hit it big I will Quit, well I kinda did, I won $10k which I was very excited about, Had the money 3 Days, It’s now Gone, I donated it back to the Casino’s. So I’m broke again, I Know I should have stopped while I was ahead, but I couldn’t. At first I was excited, Then I thought I can afford a bit of fun, I put $320 in one casino and managed to play it to $1200 great, put it in withdrawl. Played a diff. Casino the next day, deposited $500 lost it, repeated this till my money was gone. even went back reversed withdrwaled my winnings and lost those to. Total losses about 30k. Anyway’s I need a new start. I closed All my account’s, one of the casino’s rec. I check this site, so here I am. I am happy to give and recieve support from all the members. Together I feel we have already won, I stop now and life is good, my bank balance will grow. I don’t need to gambel.–

[i won a new life]

8 days free.
 

I Quit

From our forum:

Gambling sucks. It takes all your money, wastes precious hours of life in this beautiful world, and leaves you feeling like ****. I’m sorry if this offends anyone but I hope all of you can find the strength to walk away and get your lives back. I know that not everyone loses lots of money and that some people keep strict limits on their gambling budgets, but I’m guessing that at least 90% of gamblers lose more money than they would like to lose, and to those people I wish you luck. If anyone has any kind words of encouragement I could really use them because I am feeling pretty ****py about myself right now.

This posting prompted many empathetic responses from our members who offered tips and advice to anyone who is in this ****py situation. If you (or someone you know) is having difficulties keeping their gambling behaviour in check, forward this page to them.
 

Gamblock is something you should install on your computer right away if you want to quit. I believe the software is free. Another way could be to enable your anti-whatever programs like McAfee or Norton which will block most of the ads – as well as Net Nanny or similar, which will also prevent you getting to the actual sites.

I think you will be surprised (well, I guess you’re already surprised) that there are a lot of people who sympathize with you – and many of us who have "been there, done that" as well. But you can also take heart in the fact that many of these people have also beaten their demons… better control of one’s emotions doesn’t happen overnight.

Believe it or not, there are ways to get around your emotions. After doing all those things above (disabling Instacash, etc.) find something – anything – that you like doing – and do it often if you can – especially sporting activities… I guarantee you will forget all about online gambling
 

Make a list of ten things you like to do besides gambling:
Here is a list of 10 things I like to do besides gamble (thanks for the diary space Casinomeister )

1. Golf! (too bad it’s winter lol)
2. Drive my car (Infiniti G35 coupe 6-speed )
3. Read books, like Carlos Castenada’s series or Timothy Leary type books
4. Play Xbox 360 (mostly just the racing games and Tiger Woods)
5. Think about my future, what do I want to learn and accomplish?
6. Listen to music
7. Do good in school (mechanical engineering right now, thinking about switching to a math major)
8. Buy weird lamps and other intriguing lighting apparatuses (I’ve always loved Vegas just because of the lights, not the gambling)
9. Eat french fries (my favorite food!)
10. Love my girlfriend and make my parents proud of me.

My only advise would be… if you can’t deposit, then you can’t lose money. Contact every banking establishment in the circle of online casinos, Neteller, Firepay, Citadel, etc., and have them cut you off from depositing. This is a surefire way to end your online career. If you have any land-based casinos nearby, then that’s a whole new battle you’re going to have to fight…

It may help to get a photo of the person/persons you love most in life, on the back write how you feel when you have lost all your money and how your gambling would effect them and your relationship with them.

Put it by your computer, or in your wallet when out, when you feel the urge coming have a good look and read what you have written.

…if you are looking for a pastime that gives a similar rush to online gambling, then take up one of the FPS games in multiplayer **** on your PC. I had several years doing this in a "clan" playing Quake/Q2 and Unreal Tournament and I can honestly say that it was fantastic fun and had a sense of community and competitiveness that really got you involved.

I’m a bit out of touch with the latest FPS games, but I would seriously consider looking into this as an alternative form of entertainment. The thing about gambling is the "rush" of a good win. You get this with FPS in team and deathmatch games online. Recommended

Everyone who participates with online casinos/poker rooms ***** to understand their own motivations and keep these impulses in check. Everyone ***** reminders that there is a real world out there.

If it’s money you’re into, disable your Insta Cash at Neteller.

Another tip, turn off your computer and go take a walk. Get into the real world. If you have a family at home, go play monopoly or some other game where money is involved. You can take care of that "money" fix this way.

If playing online ever affects your relationships or makes a serious dent in your bank account. Stop doing it – period. Thunderstruck or online poker is not worth ******** up your life.

— 2/1/2013 1:30:19 AM: post edited by I won a new life.
— 2/1/2013 1:34:08 AM: post edited by I won a new life.– 2/19/2013 2:38:01 AM: post edited by I won a new life.

[changenetwork]

A therapy path is needed! Gamblers anonymous meetings, 28 days in a rehab clinic helped me out but it costs money (well worth it and you save in the long run, gambling habits are expensive in many negative ways) Start the path and well done for coming on the forum.. keep coming back!  Adam

[i won a new life]

Thank you all in the forum for the support i have been getting, I got paid today and at first I had control, the barrior’s were holding but I relapsed, I lost most of my money again, I don’t expect anyone to feel sorry for me because it was my choise the wrong choise, I am lucky because I haven’t got myself in any real debt. I made 1 bet, it was too many. I am tired I spent many hours reading. I choose to confess in my journal because I want to change and I need to know the truth. Some of the replies I got were correct. I hoped I could Gamble again, I’m not so upset this time but I want it to be the last time, it was not even entertaining. I want FEB. 1 2013 to be the day I made my last bet. — 2/2/2013 6:44:51 AM: post edited by I won a new life.

[i won a new life]

Today has not been an easy day for me so far, I am absolutly accepting the reality of my addiction, my emotions are unstable, I don’t know if I’m happy or sad. Relapse is hard to deal with, I feel like I have a split pesonality. I know I can do this, Gambeling has been an escape for me for the past 2 years, in the last month I have truly hit my bottom as for now I just want to continue to be honest to myself and anyone who cares to read my posts. This is a truly horrible diease and I would never believe it, except to experiance it for myself. I have to be honest and have faith. I was excited all day yesterday because i was out of money and getting paid, when I got my check I knew I was going to gamble. I was so relieved to have money yet so willing to throw it away. I have another week to plan my recovery, to add more barrior’s. I feel sick-because I am. I struggled with ***** and alcohol, and have been clean from those for almost 3 years. I have a plan, I have support, I can not do this to myself or my family anymore. I am going to spend some time today cleaning the house as we have a massive snow storm outside. My name is "I Won" I am a compusive gambler, I made my last bet Feb. 1. I pledge not to make 1 bet.

[neva]

Iwon, paydays and the habit of gambling when we have money is hard to break.  The only way I know of is with enough road blocks that we can’t gamble.  Now, with direct deposit and having my bills ready to go out a few days early, when payday finally gets here I don’t even have to think about it.  I had so many ‘weekends after payday’ where I spent too much time and money at the casino that I might as well be working for under minimum wage. Now I pay an extra $150 on the mortgage payment and transfer a few hundred to savings.  The money that used to be wasted for gambling is being spent on a guaranteed pay-out. It was tough learning to get by without a debit card but it was well worth it!  I use a credit card (no pin so no ATM choice) and pay it online a couple of ***** a month so I can get groceries and gas anytime.  This payday gambling is a lesson to protect yourself ahead of time for next payday.  It’s tough but you can do it!

[i won a new life]

Thank you for your post’s neva, congradulations on your recovery, you are an inspiration. For me the first week has been very difficult. I looked back at my posts I have relapsed twice and both ***** were bad and left me miserable. I have to give myself time to recover, from what I read it may take 2 months for my brain to start to rewire. My name is "I Won" I am a CG, I made my last bet Feb. 1. I am 1 day free.

[i won a new life]

***** all, I have taken much inspiration from Larrys post’s- he is like a mentor of gambeling recovery. My name is "I won" I am a compusive gambeler. I made my last bet Feb. 1. I am 2 days free. I was just thinking back about a year ago, I decided I’m gonna go big, I’m a High Roller. One Sunday I logged on to my pc, opened one of my favorite casino accounts. My plan was to turn $250 into $1000 with 2 hands of blackjack-I just had to win them both. So I went to the live dealer, placed my bet $250- the cards were for me 14 the dealer 15, so sick I had to hit, I drew a 6 giving me a total of 20- at this point I’m feeling pretty good about my result. Dealer hit’s draws another 6 giving him 21-so sick I lost. I told my friend about it later that day- he said whats wrong with you? I said IDK I guess I’m lucky I didn’t make to the $500 bet. Another reminder to me how It’s just a big waste of money. I’ve setteled my debts- I pledge not to make one bet.

[i won a new life]

All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs. So how do we change? The most effective way is to get your brain to associate massive pain to the old belief. You must feel deep in your gut that not only has this belief cost you pain in the past, but it’s costing you in the present and, ultimately, can only bring you pain in the future. Then you must associate tremendous pleasure to the idea of adopting a new, empowering belief.
Anthony Robbins
 

[icandothis]

Hi I won,   I like Anthony Robbins, too.  He has helped many people change their lives.  In the end.  It is up to us.  Listening and  reading Anthony Robbins is a good start and a good recovery tool.  There are many others, and we all must find our own. way.  I am glad you are beginning to work your recovery.  It is not an easy road.  I like your name…I won a new life.  I have this image of a slot machine.  You put in a coin and up comes..New Life..New Life..New Life!  WINNER!   
You have a desire to change, and you made your way to this site.  I think that makes you a winner.  You have taken a very large step in the right direction.  You have WON the OPPORTUNITY to CREATE a new life One Day at a Time!  We all have the same opportunity, and we all can WIN!

[ell]

Hi I won .Thank you for posting me and help me to understand , i need that.  Don’t beat yourself. Keep fighting, stay focus and have faith …you have support and you have a plan as you wrote, you struggled in the past and you did it.  Have faith  . You are an intelligent person .With all my good wishes for your recovery. ell

[i won a new life]

Thank you Ell, and Icandothis  for your posts. My name is "I won" I am a compusive gambeler, I am 3 days free. I made my last bet Feb. 1st and I hit the Massive progressive "new life" It consisted of 5 reels "new life" symbols and the payout is for life, guaranteed weekly payments/ no risk of loss. Now you may ask. Did you cash out after this one? U Bet, and I’m running to the hill’s with my winning’s. wishing everyone the best. I pledge not to make 1 bet.

[neva]

That’s a real jackpot!  Good for you.

[ready2change]

Thanks so much for your posts mate it meant a lot.
We can do this adaat i loved your positivity in your last post.
I hope your snow is not to bad look after yourself!
Take care

[ready2change]

Thanks so much for your posts mate it meant a lot.
We can do this adaat i loved your positivity in your last post.
I hope your snow is not to bad look after yourself!
Take care

[i won a new life]

Hi all just a quick post on this bet free day,  4 days free. Remembering to focus on the negatives deep in my gut, and embracing the freedom. I pledge not to make 1 bet.

[trulyshi]

Hi there I Won, keep up the good work.  I stopped ******** days, I prefer to ***** the months.  Every day that goes by without a bet is a good day.  Keep posting, reading and doing what you need to do for yourself.  Everyone is different, I have weekly one on one support with a counsellor and banned myself from the casino.  Between those things and the support I find here I am making it.  Feel proud of yourself and hang in there.  Debbie

[i won a new life]

Thanks Truly, just another Quick post to be free another day. I keep wanting to go for that big win, but then I think and remember the fact’s. The house edje, the pain this has caused me in the past, the freedom I have without betting. I am 5 days free. I pledge not to make one bet.

[i won a new life]

Hi my name is "I won" I am a compusive gambler and I am 6 days free, My head has been spinning today like my gambling life is flashng before my eyes, I had a bad day-but I did not bet. I wanted to, it was a strong urge. I kept stopping and thinking. I find it important in the early stages to keep reminding myself of the deep emotional pain gambing has caused me and the freedom I have without it. Wishing everyone the best. I pledge not to make one bet.

[i won a new life]

Nothing just happens as there is always a driving force that makes it happen. This statement is true for everyone. Your gains and your losses are all outcomes of your deeds and decisions therefore there is absolutely nothing that happens by itself. Whatever is happening around you is one way or another related to your thoughts and action so if anyone considers that something just happens must free them from this notion. It is you who make things happen and your choices and decisions that influence the situations around you.

[trulyshi]

Iwon, what kind of blocker do you have on your computer and do you attend GA meetings.  What support other than this site is in place for yourself.  Debbie

[i won a new life]

Hi Debbi, I have betfilter for a blocker, I do not attend GA. I Have a cupple close friends I can confide in for support. Truth be told, If I wanted to gambel I could, unfortunatly there are to many ways for the greedy casinos and betting companys to get their hands on your funds. In my case, I need my bank account to pay bills, cash checks ect. I think back every time I get an urge how many ***** I have wanted to play with $20 "just for fun". The problem is I lose this and chase my losses. I have countless ***** deposited like this-$20,$50,$100,$200,$500,$1000. Then I reailize the casino isn’t paying out or it isn’t my lucky day, resulsting in a loss of almost $2000. Reafimming the fact that 1 bet is too many and 1000 isn’t enough. I am a compulsive gambler free for one week, I have money and I will not gambel not 1 bet.

[ready2change]

Well done on being bet free a week adaat have a great weekend
take care

[i won a new life]

Thank you R2C, unfortunatly I have a new clean date today. I found a hole in my barriors resulting in a $400 loss. I am not going into details, but I proptly banned/self excluded as I know I am just putting myself through this vicious cycle. It’s at the point now where I knew as I said in previous post "unfortuantly I can gamble if I want too" I knew there was a hole and all it took was a moment of weakness to make the first innocent deposit to chase losses again. ouch. With that being said. I know barriors are important and the hole has been sealed. As I siad no details because it would be like a guide of how to gamble when u have barriors up. The bottom line is it hurt again, but I’m not going to beat myself up. I could have took a 10k line of credit to gamble with but i was smart enough to turn it down. Now back in the saddle, I’m not going to post 1 day free ect. I’m setting a goal of 30 day’s and I’ll post when I’m there. Whishing everyone the best. God bless.

[i won a new life]

Note to self- my first post here was Jan. 20-the day I decided I needed to Quit gambling- scince then I have lost $1150 to gambling- If I had of quit like I wanted to, I would have that money. What if my car breaks down? What if I need money for my kids? What if- There is no what if when I don’t gamble, recovery is my priority I’m done.

[little lady]

Hi
I am also new here and I too have become addicted to online casinos. I am in so much debt but can’t seem to stop. It’s gonna take me years to get out of this mess. How have you managed to resist – I really need help

[i won a new life]

Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.
-Winston ChurchillODAAT one day at a time

[neva]

I won, One year I kept a running tally of what I lost for the year.  I was so careful that year and really cut back on my gambling but I still lost over $4,000 that year.  That wasn’t much compared to previous years but it was a shock to see how gambling small amounts (about $75 a week) could add up to so much.  We can’t change the past, and believe me I sure would have liked to have that money back, but we can live today without regrets.  ODAAT with no access to cash!

[ready2change]

Enjoy ur big brekkie in the morning and i hope u have a bet free weekend adaat. Take care mate

[neva]

That’s a pretty picture to think of you and your happy son having time together, smiling and enjoying a good morning meal without the clean-up! 

[p]

Hi I won
Enjoy that breakfast with your son. You are doing good.
P

[i won a new life]

Had a good gamble free weekend with my son, I find when I stay off my computer it makes the weekend easy. So rather than throw my pc in the trash I’ll just limit my time spent on it and try to find more productive things to do.ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Today I make my pledge not to bet, to leave my losses behind, to recover, to learn from my mistakes, to take care of myself, to find things in life that can give me enjoyment without gambling, to not worry about money as I don’t need to without gambling, to make little shot term goals-and long term goals, to not gamble for anything not one penny not one bet.ODAAT one day at a time

[icandothis]

Hi I won,  I am glad you had a nice weekend with your son.  I am enjoying this week with my daughter.  No matter how old they are, the time spent with our children is precious.  I wanted to thank you for a statement that you made on one of your posts saying that since joining GT you had lost $1,500.  It really made me think, as I have lost a lot more than that since I have joined GT.  Since joining GT, I have focussed on recovery.  Looking at the progress I have made.  I am grateful for that, but I still need to look at the facts…at the money lost.  I need to look at the truth.  I cannot keep spending and expect our lives to get better just because I am trying to change.  This unnecesary spending must stop now!As usual, ODAAT…fueled with an awareness of money lost and a desire not to give away our hard earned money any more…not one penny! 

[i won a new life]

Today I make my pledge not to bet, to leave my losses behind, to recover, to learn from my mistakes, to take care of myself, to find things in life that can give me enjoyment without gambling, to not worry about money as I don’t need to without gambling, to make little shot term goals-and long term goals, to not gamble for anything not one penny not one bet.ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Today I make my pledge not to bet, to leave my losses behind, to recover, to learn from my mistakes, to take care of myself, to find things in life that can give me enjoyment without gambling, to not worry about money as I don’t need to without gambling, to make little shot term goals-and long term goals, to not gamble for anything not one penny not one bet.ODAAT one day at a time

[jonathanv]

Hi "I Won A New Life."  I used to cash my paycheck and drive to the casino, or if payday was far ahead I’d do a cash advance on a credit card.  The trouble piled up quickly.  I think many people who gamble like the idea of being able to regulate their own addiction by way of will power or newly found optimism or new ideas, etc.  That’s how I was.  Eventually I had to admit that I wasn’t capable of stopping myself and that I needed help.  Last summer I started seeing a therapist, and that was a huge help (I haven’t gambled now in 10 months, which I’m proud of considering I gambled compulsively for twelve years).  I joined this forum to help me stay on "the straight road" so to speak. We are all different, but for me it was essential that I found someone to speak with in person when I felt the urge come up.  I’d even call a friend and ask to hang out as a way to prevent myself from gambling.  That’s not profound, but it helped me stop.

[i won a new life]

I Had a slip, Started to play online again and I blew my whole paycheck chasing losses. I am devistaded. Payday is a week a way and I’m broke. I can’t stop, I need to gamble more my luck will change. I have lost too much, everthing. The casino owes me a big payday. I’ll going all in again payday-double or nothing. ODAAT one day at a time

[neva]

The bad thing about gambling is once we place that first bet it’s so hard to stop.  Even hitting something big just gives us more playing time.  I never walk out of the casino a winner.  Don’t chase your losses or you’ll lose even more.  We’re compulsive gamblers and can’t stop. Don’t do that to yourself again. You deserve better.

[ready2change]

trust me mate the casino owes you nothing and will take every one of your future pay checks indefinitely if you let it. unfortunately you cant win i hope and pray you can let your losses go and a adaat you can arrest this disgusting dis ease. take care and God bless

[i won a new life]

Thank you for your posts. Tonight I continued to chase losses- I got 1k overdraft approved and went for it.  I am out of control, I have no more money to spend. I feel like I need to gamble bad. I feel bad for posting, because its a bad post.  I going to stop again, I’m out of money and I think I was saving for a big binge. I’ll keep posting.ODAAT one day at a time

[icandothis]

Hi I won,  Don’t ever feel bad about posting.  Regroup and refocus and think about how to do things differently next time. Ready2Change is right..the casino owes you nothing and that is what it will give you every time.  It isn’t an easy thing to accept, but it is true.

[i won a new life]

I continued to gamble tonight (got a CC approved, been on major tilt), I was lucky enough to win my losses back and cashed out. now I’m done… sooo lucky, would have been a deep hole. leaves me  back at $1500 lost scince joining GT. hopefully stays that way. Don’t gamble, when I start I can’t stop- anyone who says there only down $1500 in the last month and bit has a serious gambling problem.
ODAAT one day at a time– 3/14/2013 2:45:07 AM: post edited by I won a new life.

[i won a new life]

Day 10, Gambling is not an option. Tired and broke don’t want to feel like this again. The highs form gambling are not worth the lows. One day at a time I embrace recovery.ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Day 12, Bill’s get paid Tom. and gambling is not an option, yes I miss the thrill but I won’t miss the heartache. The urges come but they pass. I used to think of gambling as a way to make money- way wrong. Even with carefull strategy and bankroll management I was lucky to break even. Then I would tilt, and chase and lose everything. I have no excuses for my gambling past, to work full time and give everything to the casino is baffling. I have seen the results over and over again, even won big and could not stop. I have great empathy for anyone who has become addicted to online gambling, and wish everyone strength to continue a gamble free life.ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Day 14, bills are paid and I’m out of the red, now I just have to stay out of the casino.ODAAT one day at a time

[vera]

Isnt great to have the bills paid and to be able to heave a sigh of relief. Not having paid one bill and realising we have dumped the last of our money in slot machines is just SICKENING! Frantically searching for another loan. Why do we do this to ourselves? Its really the worst form of self destruction!
Day 14 is a happy day for you!

[ready2change]

fair play to you mate another big step forward for you im getting a sense of achievement atm paying my bills loans etc i use to hate paying bills and would always try to win the money for the bill but it always ended in disaster at this moment in time im happy to face reality and try and live in the real world mind you my thoughts can change pretty quickly but adaat im up for the challenge. take care

[icandothis]

Good for you in paying those bills and being out of the red.  It may be years before I can say that.  You can start saving and begin enjoying your Earned cash.  Living the life you deserve.  Keep making wise money choices.  Keep embracing recovery.

[i won a new life]

Day 17 I have a small amont of cash and my blocks in place. I changed my background(wallpaper) of my computer to a pic. of my kids, a good reminder of why I have to stay in control. I’ve been there and done that. I was a compulsive gambler who has embraced recovery. I now have the ability to start saving money. One bet is too many and 1000 never enough. ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Day 20 I have a small amount of cash and had to pay some bills this week, next week I can start to save. I bought my kids some clothes, had to pay child support, daycare. ect. never have missed a payment for my kids. Even got some new shoes. It can only go up from here, no gambling, freedom from worry.ODAAT one day at a time

[neva]

Great words to hear ‘never missed a payment for the kids’. Shows that the casino hasn’t stripped everything from you. You’ve got your priorities straight and that will keep you moving forward.

[i won a new life]

Day 1, I had a slip today when I made a wrong turn into the casino parking lot and just said I don’t care just a few spins then I’ll get out.  I had $250 Cash in my wallet for my spending money this week for food and gas. Any way I went right in was only down $20 when I hit a bonus round that retrigged giving me 100 free spins at $2.50 the win was over $500. I thought great I’m gonna cash out and go, just a few more spins. All my money went to $5 spins they flipped the switch on me, hit a few bonus rounds that sucked and chased untill I had nothing left.
 I’m very disapoined for a few reasons. First I snuck in, I self excluded from this casino. When I won I thought I wouldn’t be able to claim my winnings do to some terms of exclusion. Insted of trying to cash out I just blew everything including my $250 spending money for the week. The only good part is I limited my losses due to having no debit card for my bank (which only has about $100 in it).
  Anyway I’m not going to beat myself up, I’m just disapointed and I guess it’s another learning experiance. It was like something took over me,  any thought or plan of gambling ***** to be nipped in the but right away.ODAAT one day at a time

[neva]

Iwon, good for you in having barriers in place so you couldn’t do more damage.  I can’t walk out a winner either.  Once, or more, time I hit something really good and also stayed until it was gone…kept playing the same machine too thinking it was ‘hot’.  It’s like it was someone else playing that money back in because I was shocked when I reached in for another twenty and my wallet was already empty.
There is no satisfaction by gambling.  If there were, once we hit $500, we’d be content that we did it and we could leave.  Keeping barriers in place will protect you in the future just like it did today.
 

[ready2change]

your right not to beat yourself up you can learn from this i went down to a friend of mine for a drink on friday night she lives 30 mile away i left my cash card at home and just took enough cash for drink and incase of emergencies like a flat tyre etc driving home yesterday hungover no thoughts of going to the bookies but it might have been different if i had of had my cash card with me. our addiction is so cunning baffling and powerful it plays tricks with our mind we have to try and be 1 step ahead of it and i know thats easier said than done its just a we set back your going in the right direction mate its trial and error we can all learn from each other iv picked up some great bits of advice on here that i hope to use to help me to try and arrest this dirty dirty dis ease adaat. take care

[i won a new life]

Ty for your thoughts Neva and R2C, I am back to focusing on recovery. This is simple I don’t gamble and I win.ODAAT one day at a time

[jackie58]

First time on here. I went gambling again today and of course left a loser. My great plan was to just play free play, wrong…free play cost me$1000. I have to stop, it makes me feel like such a loser.
This moment has to be my hour 1 of no to gambling. Thanks for all your posts, they are very helpful."I can get by with a little help from my friends"

[i won a new life]

Hi R2C all is good got 3 weeks under my belt, little bit in savings. I get frustrated that I can’t gamble but we know its for the best.ODAAT one day at a time

[neva]

Iwon, I’m a lot like you in that I need financial security.  It doesn’t make sense that we could be so careful with money in all aspects of our lives and carelessly throw it away by gambling.  I also manage my finances and got rid of the debit card.  Not being able to get cash has been the key to stopping the big losses. It might seem like baby steps but at least you’re moving in the right direction.  Good job!

[i won a new life]

I have over 4 weeks of clean time now, I feel like I can keep my head above water and breath now. This it honestly the best I’ve felt in a long time. I get urges but I would not want to ruin it by gambling. Barriors are tight, they have saved me many ***** when the urges come. Normal thinking is making its way back into my life.ODAAT one day at a time

[i won a new life]

Well I had been doing good, but I had a major planned slip this weekend. I spent Friday and Saturday night at the casino. I had saved some money with my gamble free time. I bought a car last month and still had some money saved up. total damage was $1200. Now I’m back, could have been worse I just don’t know why I do this… kept saying it’s gonna hit it’s gonna hit.   I never walk out a winner, it’s depressing. Some people take vacations, I gamble. How many ***** have you waited at the ATM at midnight so you can make another withdrawl over your daily limit.  Damage is done, I’m not broke but heading back to being gamble free.ODAAT one day at a time

[vera]

$1200 is hard earned, I won!
Why give it to the "fatcats"? Easy money for them!
I used to justify my actions by saying things like "it could have been worse" or "some people take vacations, I gamble", but every time we justify our actions we are fooling ourselves and sooner or later things will spiral out of control and we will say "things couldn’t be much worse" or "I can’t afford to either gamble or take vacations!"
Don’t wait until you are at rock bottom, I won. ***** what you have achieved by not gambling A new car, money saved, peace of mind, self respect and above all your sanity.
Gambling robs us of all those things.
When we gamble, or time and our money are never our own.
I keep reminding myself that gambling is NOT about relaxing and having fun . It’s about giving our hard earned cash to some greedy stranger who is laughing all the way to the bank.
Change your thinking and your habits will change.
ODAAT!

[ready2change]

hope your urges arnt to bad after your slip your totally right what you said to me its not easy but it can be done lets hope we both can do it odaat. take care

[i won a new life]

Hi all, still gamble free, just checked in to see the new format. I like it, it’s different. Had some strong urges recently but my barriors have saved me over and over again.

[i won a new life]

Had anther slip, had some money saved and the urge took over. I think I limited the damage but now I’ve had a good re-think of barriors and reaching real life goals without gambling

[p]

So glad you returned after the slip to post about it, i think that is a great sign. Just start over.. its done and gone and look at how to prevent it more now.. can you put up any more barriers, can you get to GA meetings or counselling or post more.
Do what you can and learn from the slip. My relapses were never slips but i learnt from each one, pain was my greatest teacher.

P

[desdemona]

Hi (((iwon)))! I read your thread and have to admire your honesty in posting every time you have had a slip. It’s like that for many of us. We don’t have perfection in our recovery, but progress instead. I have been in recovery for 3 years and most of my days have been gamble free. Keep working recovery as it does get easier. Carole

[i won a new life]

Hi all Merry Christmas, Barriors have saved me again, Christmas is a hard time of year when the urges feel overpowering.

I have given up online gambling compleatly, I still buy lottery tickets but the damage is minimal.

All the best one day at a time.

[Author]

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