[CraigMac6]

Hello all,

Here I am again fighting this vicious sports betting addiction. Truth be told, I haven’t made much progress when it comes to being gambling free over the last 13 years of my life. Like everyone’s addiction, it’s been a battle and something that has gotten the best of me for years.
Sports betting is my method of gambling. In my sick mind I believe I can win betting on sports but the last 13 years have proven otherwise, as my total debt from gambling is probably near 200k. While that number isn’t the important thing for me, what is important is getting myself to understand I cannot win at sports gambling over the long haul. If I could, I wouldn’t continuously go into debt.
I have a lot of self reflection to do, and I have a lot of challenging days, months and years ahead but the time is now. The turning point in my gambling life starts today. There are so many things I am losing out on and not putting my effort in to because my sole focus is gambling. It’s beyond pathetic that I am a teacher and during the school days, I will
Use my phone to place wagers on sporting events where I have no idea who the person is (tennis) it’s all for the action. I have a gambling problem, I know that. But knowing is the first step to recovery.
I will be in others threads because that will help me through my addiction. I will not gamble today no matter what happens.
Have a beautiful day.
Craig

[velvet]

Hello Craig 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.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

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!

[Cruising247]

Hi CraigMac6,
Congratulations on taking your first step to recovery.
“One day at a time…”

[CraigMac6]

Thank you Cruising. I’ve read your thread and I love your outlook on the one day at a time mentality.
If I put as much effort into my quit (coming here, supporting others, going to meetings,etc) as I did unto sports betting, I have no other option than a successful quit. Thanks for your support!

[CraigMac6]

Good day all.
Here I am on day two feeling very grateful. Usually there is so much regret in my mind- and I do have a lot of regret- but I’m trying to focus on the positives and live in the moment.
Like all of us, I was such a selfish person during my gambling years. Yes I provided the necessities for my children but that was about it. The rest of the money was for my addiction. Im using that as motivation to continue being free from gambling. Gambling took so many things from me and I allowed it by my choices. I don’t want gambling to define who I am, and determine how I live my life. As mentioned above we must take this one day at a time. That’s the only way for success.
Being grateful to today. Being grateful for not having to watch a game all day just to feed my addiction. Instead, I will do something productive with my time.
Thanks for reading everyone. Lets stay positive and focus on the good!
Be well
Craig

[risingphoenix]

Craig, Wishing you the best in your journey to stay gamble free. Nice to hear you are staying positive. I have found that staying busy on other things keeps my mind away from gambling. Definitely find something/anything productive to do.

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