Getting There...

What a brilliant update Lee !

We are seeing a wonderful upswing in folks celebrating their first gamble-free year . Posts like yours are so valuable to our community . I hope to see your one year milestone post in the Gamble-free Days thread - there's a cake waiting for you and we always welcome a celebration here .

Updates like these prove that there is hope and healing for any of us who are willing to fight for it .

Hi All,

Celebrated two years gamble free today!!

Its been hard work but the benefits have been amazing. So much has changed in my life so far and none of it could have happened while gambling.

I rarely think of playing slots or other gambling anymore, just the constant reminder in the back of my mind telling me NOT TO DO IT. I know that I can never win, I'm a compulsive gambler, sure I might occasionally 'win' but we all know its going back in at some point. I'll play until extinction.... Just like they want me to!

Thanks to everyone that has helped me out with your support and kind words of reassurance. It means alot to me, thanks.

Cheers, Lee
730 Days Gamble Free

Hi Everyone,
Just thought I'd post an update since I haven't done one for years...

Over 6 years Gamble Free now!

Just read this thread and cried a little bit, I'd forgot how hard it was for me in the first few weeks but as the days rolled by my life was transformed.

I can't imagine where I'd be now if I'd not stopped. Not a nice place..

We've got savings, two brand new cars, no debt, and have been on dozens of family holidays since I stopped wasting my hard earned money gambling.

My latest feat has been quitting cigarette smoking. I am currently 66 days and have only caved in once and had 1 smoke on day 20 or so. I smoked for 29 years. I've begun a diary in the smoking addiction section here, it helps to post and gives me self satisfaction and inspires me to continue.

Anyone tackling gambling addiction needs to arm themselves with tools to help when times get tough. For me, I filled my time with new and old hobbies and made sure I always had something to do with my spare time normally spent gambling.

I hope this thread can encourage others who are struggling to find their way through the fog.

Cheers,

One day at a time

Fantastic news! that's an incredible achievement, and one I can only dream of well bloody done mate!

I'm also an Australian - west coast. I first joined this forum back in 2014, and have tried many times unsuccessfully. This time is different however and I'm just over 80 days gamble free - have only hit this mark 2 or 3 times since then I think.

Can you share how you managed to pay off any debt? Did you have to file bankruptcy or did you do anything stupid that got you into trouble with the law?

That's a wonderful update FamilyFirst!

I found that keeping busy in the early stages of recovery to be vital. Keeping you mind on something other than gambling helps makes those irrational thoughts more seldom. For me, it was trying to work more hours and exercising more.