First time post, time to stop!

Hi everyone, I came across this forum a while ago when I had come home from a casino and had lost a considerable amount of money, and I was determined to stop gambling, reading through the topics seemed to work, and I didn't gamble for 3-4 weeks, until last week.

I won about £1000 online and was happy, I then continued to gamble a little at a local casino and won a further £1300, till today, when i have sat all day gambling online and lost well over half.

I have realised I have a slight problem because no matter how many times I say to my self no more, I always do more! It's like I don't control my hands when my brain is saying no.

I started gambling about 8 years ago when I visited a local casino with friends, and have always enjoyed playing cards, it's never been a problem until about 6 months ago when I have been struggling to fight the urge, and have been upping and upping my stakes.

I know this isn't that back compared to some of the topics but I just need to try and do anything to stop before i get out of hand, I have a wedding to pay for this year and I cannot afford to continue the way I am, so I guess I'm posting in here in hope of some relief of the anger I feel at the moment for gambling again, and for some support.

Welcome!

I too went through this exact process. Reading the stories of woe from others convinced me to stop for short period of time the problem was it created no real commitment and I relapsed heavily.

My suggestion is that you start interacting with others here, everyday if possible. This makes the stories on here more part of your recovery as opposed to shock treatment which puts us off for a short period of time.

Set a target of say 1 week Gamble free, check in here each day and let us know how you are getting on. Then build on that!

All the best

That's exactly how I felt when I first found the forum, and since my first post I've have read through even more and it is very eye opening to what could actually happen!
I massively appreciate anyone and everyone who replies, or posts their stories because so far this is helping me. I know I've got a long way yet but...

This is day 2 of no gambling.

Whatapain day two is fantastic and tomorrow will be day three, use this forum as accountability, I truly believe that gambling has to be the biggest lie ever spun to mankind, so just don't believe it and keep walking away from it.

Well done on Day 2 !

Every time you deny the urge to gamble , it loses a bit more of its strength , a little more of its hold over you .

It takes time , but eventually it will have no power to compel you at all . It will fade to a fleeting thought that can be banished with a wave of your hand . The urges will disappear for days , then weeks , then months at a time .

You will have the control , you will have the power and you will decide the course of your actions .

Keep fighting - you're doing great !

Just letting my self know I've got through day 3, no gambling!

Outstanding update !

Try to see the differences in your life , even at 3 days Gamble-free . I found that I was sleeping better , had more clarity once the fog began lifting , and was able to look more into my future instead of dwelling on my past gambling behavior .

You are doing great ! Stay strong .

Thanks for the reply and support NSR, I'm sort of using this as a mini diary or counter so to speak, yesterday was Day 4 of gamble free, and I'm now currently on day 5!

I feel so much better for it! Don't get me wrong, I know I would like to go to the casino tonight as that's usually my weekend routine, but I'm fighting it and going to stay away!

I'm getting close to that 1 week mark!!

That's excellent !

The first few weeks are the time to make your battle plan , put your roadblocks in place and start looking at the positive changes in your life . You know the addiction is not going to go away with out a fight - this is the time to ready yourself for that .

Stay strong !

Well day 5 went well, no gambling again! And what's even better I hadn't even thought about it after I had posted on here..
Now half way through day 6, although I though I would have been posting again by now to say I had given in, but surprisingly to myself I am still committed to giving it up!
I just hope I can continue as I am already feeling less stressed and the money in my wallet is staying there and not disappearing after an hour! Which I could get used to!