Dan’s 100 day challenge to recovery

[suz-free]

Hi Dan, I'm also at day 3 with being GF from pokies. I'm glad I found your posts - perhaps we can do this challenge together My longest time I managed to stay away was at day 25 so now I'm challenging myself to beat that and go all the way, we can do this. Don't give in to any urges, keep reminding yourself of the damage it's done to your finances, keep up that determination to succeed

Suzy

[Dan P]

Day three. No urges, things are going better then I thought. The weekend is coming up, it will be a test but I’ll keep the post updated.

Appreciate the support

[Calvin (facilitator)]

Hi Dan,

Good on you for taking that first step in acknowledging gambling as a problem for you.
Its good to know that when you're busy at work all week you don't gamble because you come home feeling tired.
What do you think you could do over the weekend in replacement of the gambling that can help with your boredom? In the past did you ever take up any hobbies or activities that can help relieve boredom that you could possibly consider taking up again etc? This could be something to think about.

If you're interested in self-exclusion information, or you would like some telephone or face to face counselling, feel free to call gamblers helpline on
1800 858 858. You can have a chat with a counsellor and they can provide you with further support.

Regards,

Calvin

[Jc]

Well done Dan.

Take each day as they come. Try and plan for weekends/free time with activities/things to keep you busy.

[Mona58]

Have a plan in place...

urges do hit unexpectedly . I remember a time I was making coffee at stepmothers place... Urge hit... "hurry up get to the pokies"... it was a real strange moment!

stay strong Dan!

Mona.

[Jo-Anne]

Fantastic Dan....well done😊😊

[Dan P]

Nearly the end of day one. It was also pay day, paid all bills, have money left over and no urge to gamble.

D.

[Dan P]

Good to see you post mate. Its a tough life to live. Lately all I’ve done is spend the money that I wouldve gambled with on presents for others and some on myself. Ive always had a problem of not spending money on anything, like being extremely cheapskate, then pumping all that money on gambling.

My rationale is the first weeks arent going to be about saving money, when your bank balance keeps rising from not gambling youre more prone to saying ‘oh well whats a $50 slap’, and then youre down the rabbit hole again. Its happened to me so many times. The relapses hurt the most especially if youve blown not 1 but 2 weeks of pay in one weekend. Ive been down that path so many times 😔. But thats just me, get a feel of it after a week and see how your urges are.

For sure JC, I agree. I’ve been there and done that many times. Telling myself not to let it happen again but a week later I’m in the same position. I’ve recently started working on a realationship I’m looking to peruse. All though she may not know, she will be able to keep me busy and try to keep me occupied.

I earn minimum wage trying to work towards a certificate, I may not gamble as much money as some on here.. but a good 2/3 of my pay will go towards the machines. I know that I will lose eventually but sit there any way and keep playing. It’s disgusting I work like a dog for the money I earn and do nothing with it.

Tomorow is pay day, I am planning to cover all bills and then some, put money away for petrol, food ect. Then see what I have left over and maybe even put the rest on bills so I physically don’t have money. It’s not going to be easy, but then atleast after a few weeks I will be ahead and I can try having money in the bank. But work on not spending, or wasting it.

Hoping to also get to a GA meeting tonight.. and see what it’s all about. It may not be for me; but it’s a step in the right direction

[Jo-Anne]

Welcome Dan........We are with you and understand what you are going through. Any change takes time so that is why we count the days and have short term goals to aspire to. You have recognised what needs to change for you......take it easy......and one step at a time.....it does get easier.....sincerely Jo

[Jc]

Good to see you post mate. Its a tough life to live. Lately all I’ve done is spend the money that I wouldve gambled with on presents for others and some on myself. Ive always had a problem of not spending money on anything, like being extremely cheapskate, then pumping all that money on gambling.

My rationale is the first weeks arent going to be about saving money, when your bank balance keeps rising from not gambling youre more prone to saying ‘oh well whats a $50 slap’, and then youre down the rabbit hole again. Its happened to me so many times. The relapses hurt the most especially if youve blown not 1 but 2 weeks of pay in one weekend. Ive been down that path so many times 😔. But thats just me, get a feel of it after a week and see how your urges are.