3 years

So it's been a while since I have posted, but I still read this board from time to time. I see lot's of new names and some of the familiar ones.

I realised the other day it's been pretty much 3 years since I joined this forum - 35 years young now, 32 back then when I posted my story for the first time. I wish I could say it's been 3 years without a bet, but the reality is I have continued to gamble throughout that time - quite heavily at my lowest points. I have made some progress, had many breaks where I would go a month or two without a bet and the losses are not nearly as big as they were, but that is no excuse. It just hit me the other night that I realised how easy it is just to fall back into this habit. The past is easily forgotten and it all just becomes normal again....1 or 2 months go by and it's like you are back to where you started.

The mistake I made was not involving new people and experiences in my life to replace the gambling. I thought I could do it on my own - I don't think you can. I'm going to try something a little different this year by including some counselling and maybe even a GA meeting. Having read all the books, I know all the self development techniques, the right way of thinking, the goal setting and the financial management. It's just been much harder than I thought to put all of that together into a new routine that see's me get through the weeks and months.

If only I could change my nickname! Oh well it's actually good I guess in a way reminds me of when I first got serious about this and helps keep me accountable. We are already almost in March but there is still time to make the most of 2017 so if your struggling, keep at it! There is a better life waiting for us if we can just focus on our goals!

Welcome back MovingOn ,

I'm glad to see you here again and I am sorry that you are still battling this addiction . No one here will tell you it's easy . It took me more years than I care to admit before I finally quit for good . I lost count of the times that I relapsed .

There is only one way to fail and that is to stop trying to succeed . You are always welcome here , to come for support or to give encouragement .

And I will be happy to update your username , if you want me to .

good to see you here

I hope you'll find a good support community in GA

it has been A LIFESAVER for me here in Virginia. amazing recovery help and strong meetings.

Let us know how it goes!

Hello, movingon2014. Well, GA is good place for sure
You will find help there, because there are people who relapsed after 2-5 years and fighting this addiction again, they are happy. As one man in meeting said - even if you failed, first thing to do - come back to us, we are waiting for you.
Good luck in your journey.