Redemption - The journey of a recovering gambling addict.

mark55man

That's a good call.  I did similar, then ratcheted repayments up when I could, and occasionally jut paid minimum when it was holiday season or other pressing needs.  Its a privilege of being on a good income, even though for various reasons in debt, and it always seemed unfair that those struggling most do find access to such simple effective measures so much harder to realise.  In case you are worried about the long term, yes I did pay off the card before the loan debt was due to finish, and no it did not tempt me into more spending as debt rationalisation can often do

Lonelygambler

Late night check in as the urges to gamble are incredibly high. I have cleared a significant amount of money and my brain is wired to want to play cards. 

This is completely insane and thankfully I have strategies to not bet and I’m going to meditate and hopefully sleep. 

I’ve had a great day with the family and a solid gym session. The urge to win money is absolutely sky rocketing. This is hardest part of the journey. It’s not gambling. 

I don’t drink much at all and never smoked. This is much worse than both combined. 

If you pop in and read this the reality is 1000’s of people are playing right now. Many who should not be. Age / Gender it doesn’t matter. This illness will take anyone. 

This thread allows me to read back and see when days were bad. This evening has been one of the worst since 9pm. 

I think my brain is never happy with making progress in debt and just wants to be in the process of being in debt forever. 

If you know a gambler who needs help check out gamfam. 

I HATE this feeling however happy I have not broken today. 

Thank god for:

Gamstop 
Banking Apps and Gambling Blocks 
Gamban 
Router blockers 

I will share my feelings with my wife. She won’t understand but I will feel better telling her. 

LG

Lonelygambler

Didn’t gamble. 

9 Months in December. I can do this. 

dawnybabes

Awww that’s fantastic, well done you.  

Did you share with your wife the struggle ? 

in_need_of_direction

Well done you for not derailing your amazing progress

FootyFanDan

Massive well done. You have made and continue to make huge strides, really glad to read you managed to resist that urge.

FacelessNumber

Well done! You've made so much progress, hope today is easier.

~FlowerPot~

A very big well done for staying strong even when the urge was strong, another day successful, excellent

Flowers x

Lonelygambler

Today was a good day. 

Spent the money I would have wasted on gambling on a day out with the family and a meal. 

I’ve been working really hard and it’s paying off with my wife. 

No urges tonight. Going to bed happy. 

New_in_the_fens

Your strength really shines through Lonelygambler - you should take comfort in your resilience 🌹

I am astounded at how many gambling ads there are on TV - it normalises this behaviour, encourages people who are likely already struggling to pay their bills to spend money they don’t have, and I think it’s awful 😞 

Well done for continuing to make progress and for tackling this head on.