First week done.

[dragon007 (facilitator)]

Hi IC

That was great post, thank you sharing your thoughts, experience and encouragement.

Regards
dragon007

[kaizen]

Thanks IC, definitely some good counsel there!

So I am on day 13 and so far all is going well with the gambling. I have certainly had a few urges and I know these will get stronger when I have more money to spend. I really do seem to have to be at rock bottom for the urge to gamble to ease off a bit.
However, the motivation I am getting from this forum and from everyone's stories and support are significant, so hopefully that will get me through.

[kaizen]

Day 15 and still gamble free. However, I am concerned that it is when I start to feel on top of it all that I may weaken - but with the help of this forum I hope to stay strong.
I must say that I am just about addicted to the free pokie machine games you can get for your phone. I know some people say that these games should be avoided too, but at the moment I feel they are doing more good than harm. I will worry about quitting them at another stage.

[Cazza]

Well done on your 15 days
It is a struggle at the start. I used to worry when i felt good too. Like a false sense of security, but when you stay GF you do actually start feeling emotions again i found.
As to the aps on your phone, i think a few people seem to use them. If it's not a trigger for you and seems to help why not

[kaizen]

Thanks for that Cazza! Appreciate the support.
So it is day 17 for me today. All going well so far. I am going out for a few drinks at the work Christmas party tonight. Usually when I have a few drinks my willpower diminishes, as it does for most of us. However, tonight I will only bring the few dollars with me that I need and leave my ATM card at home so drunk me won't be tempted to sneak off to the pokies room.

[kaizen]

Day 23 and all is well.
I have a bit of money available at the moment and the old thoughts of popping down to the pub for a go on the pokies sneaks into my head occasionally but up to now they have just been fleeting thoughts. I know my tests will come when I feel like we are getting on top of our finances and I have been clean for a good while because my mind will tell me that it is not that big a deal. However, I am pretty determined to stick this out at least until the end of next year.
Absolutely smashing the free poker machine apps on my phone though. I don't see this as a problem though because I can't even win on those things and I seem to be starting to bore of them now.
Stay strong all.

[dragon007 (facilitator)]

Hi @kaizen

Just a suggestion to deal with triggers.
Try to create your own First Aid Kit to help you take your mind away from gambling thoughts and urges. Use your senses - listen to music, watch your favourite movie or cat YouTube video, smell something nice, eat some nice food or drink, move - exercise, walk, dance; get a massage, call Gambling Helpline, do anything get your mind off the gambling thought, don't try wrestling with it, it is exhausting, best to leave it alone, don't give it any energy by engaging with it.

Also, your name is perfect for giving up gambling, small steps make a big difference over time.

[kaizen]

Thanks @@dragon007 (facilitator) - I like the idea of a GF first aid kit. I will work on that.

And yes, I thought this was an appropriate name for the journey I hope lasts many small steps.

[kaizen]

I have reached day 29 and have managed to stay gamble free.
I am very pleased with myself for achieving this but know I have a long way to go.
For some reason, over the past couple of days, I have felt really down about all the money I have lost and the position I have put my family. I guess this is good in a way as the fresh wound will help keep me from relapsing.
Thanks again to all the members and facilitators on this forum, it really has been a godsend - and hopefully life-changing.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone.

[Calvin (facilitator)]

Thanks for all your updates Kaizen and welldone on being 29 days gambling free!
That is a tremendous effort, keep it up.
I'm glad to hear you are finding the forums to be of help to you

Calvin.