Gambling debt plan

Muhren

TrimmTrabb wrote: »

The debt is getting me down a bit at the moment, I have managed to knock £1000 off it since I first posted on here though.

I also have avoided gambling completely since and have no incline to ever do it again, which is a positive.

You have to try and look at the positives, you haven't gambled and you are £1000 close to being debt free.

I know this is easy to say, (I should try and take some of my own advice, as I still get down about my debt from time to time) but stick with it and you will get there in the end.

Something that sticks in my mind from someone at GA, "everyday you aren't gambling means that things aren't getting worse, therefore they are getting better!"

Brenster

Well done it sounds like you are doing great, as someone trying to give up (6 weeks in) I will be following your advise and buying the book (Allen Carr "The easy way to stop Gambling".).
I attend councilling, I have had 3 sessions and they really are helping, being able to tell my councillor everything, without the shame or judgement. She puts things in perspective, about how much better my life would be without gambling.


I am in aprox £10k debt which I was fortunate enough to be bailed out by my family, however I pay them back monthly and have now even managed to accumulate savings for holidays and treats, these savings grow month on month as does the amount I have paid back, so as I said I am in the fortunate position of not having to pay a number of creditors.


The most important piece of information I have taken from my councilling is the mechanics of gambling, how when we gamble a chemical is released in the brain (similar to drug taking, or alchohol or other addictions), and the more you gamble the greater you subconsciously need this chemical. So effectively the more you gamble, the harder it will be to stop gambling. As with coming off alchohol or drugs you will have withdrawal symptoms, where you have that urge to gamble, and these are very strong with me at the moment, but everytime I get an urge, I focus on something, whereas previously I would have given in. If I give in to an urge, the last 6 weeks will be a waste of time, as will the councilling sessions.


Anyway I hope you remain gamble free, it is difficult, and I think only a councillor or gambler can fully understand. This thread has some amazing advise, and I truthfully feel It will help me on my journey. All the best.

TrimmTrabb

I actually attended the Horse racing a couple of weeks ago, as it was for a stag do and had been booked for year.

Maybe a bit silly , but I couldn't let my pals down. I had plenty to drink, but never spent a penny on gambling. I was actually standing there thinking how ridiculous it was.

All down to that book!

Brenster

Well done on not gambling, it shows great strength that you were in that position and resisted, although in future if it can be helped don't tempt yourself by being in that position ! i.e if you are not there you cannot gamble !


I was in a similar position with a friend last week, we went out for a drink, and he wanted to put a couple of quid in the fruit machine, I couldn't get away quick enough, I didn't even stand and watch, which he thought was unusual, but I felt proud that I managed to resist, and was actually surprised at my reaction to the thought of gambling.


I keep meaning to order that book !

TrimmTrabb

Buy the book, I got a copy for around £3 online. I felt happier as soon as I had finished it.

I intend on reading it again soon!

TrimmTrabb

I have managed to save a bit over the past few weeks and I was able to make large payment off £600 towards my only credit card with interest on it. Hopefully next month I will be able to clear this card with another substantial payment and close it.

Things are getting a bit better for me, now that I can see the debt decreasing rapidly.
The football season has started again and my gambling usually went crazy during this.
Not anymore, no urge and I will never do it again!

The debt does get you down a bit, but my mood and outlook on life has definitely improved after ditching the gambling.

TrimmTrabb

Debt is now down to around £11,000 after I make my final payment on 1 credit card in a few weeks.
I will be left with 8 loan payments an 3 credit cards still left to clear.

Towards the end of next year, I will be debt free hopefully!

themidasman

Well done TrimmTrab, hopefully you still not gambling.
One year will soon fly by.
I had got a bit lazy and not re read my book in bit and nearly had a weak moment. Down pub with lads and ended in bookies had slip written then last min voice in head said no!!
Just shows one moment of weakness, I was annoyed with myself.
Keep going and good luck

TrimmTrabb

Still free from gambling.

Did have a slight urge a few weeks ago and thought to myself, what is the point it will just make you miserable again, never do it again.
Felt happy I made the correct choice about an hour later and it's good to know they are just urges that will disappear!

pennystretcher

Well done I have never had a gambling problem, but have had serious online gaming addiction and it ate my life away for five years. I'm just glad I played the free ones, I think I would be deeply in debt now if I had started paying for "add ons". Frittered away time I could have spent better in so many other ways... Now thankfully kicked the habit and happy to be addicted on MSE now