[davidjbe]

I haven’t long had a significant birthday pass and it is now time, finally, to admit that I have a major problem with gambling and that I need to stop completely forever.

Today is the first day where I choose not to gamble any more. I cannot control it. It controls me. Therefore it must end.

There have been many attempts to stop in the past. This time it will be different. It will be different because I will self exclude from the Internet site I use, I will remove access to funds and I am going to use this journal every day. If I stop writing, I fear I will have gambled again.

Today is the day I make the permanent change to my life. I am so determined to make this work. I am fed up with feeling miserable about gambling. It is so odd that something meant to be fun makes me feel so bad.

David

[monique]

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Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

PS: Let me just remind you to take a look at our
privacy policy and terms and conditions so you know how it all works!

[charles]

Hi David and welcome to the foru.

Good first moves, well done. Read the other threads here, you will see the sort of things that ahve helped others change thigns around. Plan your time, find things to fill both your tiome and thoughts away from gambling.

Keep posting and let us know what other positive steps you are taking.

[kathryn]

hi david and welcome!
I’m impressed at your resolve and information regarding what to do to help yourself! I had no idea what to do when I first came here! I took every single suggestion and ran with it and I’m happy to say that so far it has worked. I’ll never be cured, that’s something I accepted a long time ago. My barriers are for life!
I look forward to following your story. I’ve always said we walk a road to recovery, I’m glad you’ve put your most comfortable shoes on and decided to join us!!!!
Get those barriers up asap, you can change your life, read and post, it really does help!
Take care, K x

[p]

Welcome, it sounds like you have all the right things in place. For me it takes gamblers anonymous meetings, counselling, coming to this site. Its what works for you that stops you gambling.
The greatest step is reaching out for help and knowing we cant do it alone. You are one of the rare ones who actually try to do something about their addiction, what a great start

P

[davidjbe]

It’s really amazing to read messages of support. Today is day 3 of choosing not to gamble any more. Yesterday was extremely busy at work which always helps as I don’t have time to think about gambling.

At the weekend I plan to fill my time with my family and my daughter in particular. I need to arrange self exclusion from the one active account I have which will be a priority today.

What has prompted me to change? Another big losing day and a programme on addiction which made me believe it is possible to make a permanent change.

Looking forward to a positive day and another small step on my recovery journey

[davidjbe]

Another good day so far and I intend it to continue to be that way. Going to see friends this afternoon and the thing that I am most proud of is that I moved all my money after pay day on Friday to our joint account and paid off a credit card which means I barely have access to any funds independently – keep putting up the barriers, I tell myself.

I know that the first few days can be easy so I must steel my resolve for the harder days to come.

[FoundFreedom]

Thank you for sharing your start and giving hope to others. You sound to have a great plan.

[p]

How are you doing now? I am happy for you that the gambling free days are adding up. This is great support here, there are groups too you can join here they are a wonderful help and i notice there is a new members group that might be very helpful to you.
Have you ever tried a gamblers anonymous meeting? They are extremely helpful to some. Find what works for your recovery, to me i think why not throw everything at this addiction. it is a tough one so utilise all the help you can get and asking for help is key in my opinion. We cant do this alone, well i cant so i have learnt, thats why we are all here. Continue with your days, just for this day don’t gamble, get through this day.. then do the same tomorrow, all the best to you

P

[Author]

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