Hi bluetack2
Don't apologise for the "long message", take comfort in knowing YOU are helping many people. It is therapeutic to unload as you say. Its an emotional rollercoaster those first few months. Understanding , knowing and embracing them will help you push through.
Keep posting it is YOUR space !
All the best on your journey to a gamble free living!
Mona
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- Mona58
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
1 x
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.~Confucius
- pamela
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
Good on you for making a solid effort.
Each day you dont gamble is a win,and in all honesty,I don't believe recreational gambling is a solution,because to me,it will only take one big win to get that adrenalin pumping again and then the cycle starts again
Sure,its tough watching mates do something you want to ,but look at the bigger picture.
Would you rather watch mates gamble and feel like you have lost something, or would you rather watch people around you build their lives ,make a family, financial security?
I though that gambling was my life,I lived for it,but it turns out ,life passed me by.
I watched people have a life,go on holidays ,build homes,while I sat mindlessly feeding a machine.
Till I realised what I was missing out on.
Was it tough?
Of course
But,once I made the decision to stop,everyday became easier..I fought battles in my head,but common sense won ..it took awhile but I got there and you can to.
There are way more pleasures in life than gambling find some that you like and embrace them
Each day you dont gamble is a win,and in all honesty,I don't believe recreational gambling is a solution,because to me,it will only take one big win to get that adrenalin pumping again and then the cycle starts again
Sure,its tough watching mates do something you want to ,but look at the bigger picture.
Would you rather watch mates gamble and feel like you have lost something, or would you rather watch people around you build their lives ,make a family, financial security?
I though that gambling was my life,I lived for it,but it turns out ,life passed me by.
I watched people have a life,go on holidays ,build homes,while I sat mindlessly feeding a machine.
Till I realised what I was missing out on.
Was it tough?
Of course
But,once I made the decision to stop,everyday became easier..I fought battles in my head,but common sense won ..it took awhile but I got there and you can to.
There are way more pleasures in life than gambling find some that you like and embrace them
3 x
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JinxyWolf
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
Hi BluTack2,
I think that for the vast majority of people with gambling addiction, gambling in moderation is not possible. I know for me it had to be cold turkey, there was no two ways about it. I couldn't gamble without loosing control or being sucked back in once again. I know it is hard to give up something you feel you enjoy. For me giving up gambling was like saying goodbye to an old friend. I'd been gambling since I was 18 and I was 34 when I finally gave it the boot. I found it extremely difficult to say goodbye, Gambling was my safe space, my place to hide when my life got crazy. But I decided that this "old friend" that I relied on so much was doing more harm than good. So I said goodbye and haven't regretted it for a second. Best decision of my life.
You deserve to be free and not have gambling be the driving force in your life. You can do this.
Be well and Stay Strong.
JinxyWolf
I think that for the vast majority of people with gambling addiction, gambling in moderation is not possible. I know for me it had to be cold turkey, there was no two ways about it. I couldn't gamble without loosing control or being sucked back in once again. I know it is hard to give up something you feel you enjoy. For me giving up gambling was like saying goodbye to an old friend. I'd been gambling since I was 18 and I was 34 when I finally gave it the boot. I found it extremely difficult to say goodbye, Gambling was my safe space, my place to hide when my life got crazy. But I decided that this "old friend" that I relied on so much was doing more harm than good. So I said goodbye and haven't regretted it for a second. Best decision of my life.
You deserve to be free and not have gambling be the driving force in your life. You can do this.
Be well and Stay Strong.
JinxyWolf
4 x
- Mona58
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
Hi
"There’s a sense of pride in not gambling..."
Love that comment!
Well done! 10 days is great!
"There’s a sense of pride in not gambling..."
Love that comment!
Well done! 10 days is great!
1 x
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.~Confucius
- Calvin (facilitator)
- Moderator
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
Welldone @Bluetack2 !! Even though it may feel difficult, I'm loving the determination that you have! Quitting any type of habit is hard. Remind yourself of those hurt emotions that you felt after gambling next time you feel tempted to gamble. Sometimes that can be enough to stop you in your tracks.
Already by reading all your posts, I can already see some major progress! Keep up the great work!
Its also wonderful to hear everyone responding with such useful insight and support!
Already by reading all your posts, I can already see some major progress! Keep up the great work!
Its also wonderful to hear everyone responding with such useful insight and support!
1 x
- pamela
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
well done Bluetack..you are taking very definite steps in the right direction.
Keep feeling determined ,take it one day at a time .
Keep feeling determined ,take it one day at a time .
0 x
- gzy3
- Senior Member
Post
Re: How to get over the anger and regret?
Hi @Bluetack2 ,
Good on you that you are aware of the little urges you've been experiencing and you are trying to riding out it by putting your determination on here.
I have noticed your strengths and commitment that you are adamant sticking to your goal of achieving 100 gambling free days, no matter what win stories you hear from your friends and no matter how appealing to you to have a glimpse of races.
Remember how hard it was for you to go through the spiral of chasing losses and imagine where you would like to be at in your life without any gambling concern.
Also don't forget to acknowledge your everyday effort and achievement. One at a time and you are in the right direction!
Good on you that you are aware of the little urges you've been experiencing and you are trying to riding out it by putting your determination on here.
I have noticed your strengths and commitment that you are adamant sticking to your goal of achieving 100 gambling free days, no matter what win stories you hear from your friends and no matter how appealing to you to have a glimpse of races.
Remember how hard it was for you to go through the spiral of chasing losses and imagine where you would like to be at in your life without any gambling concern.
Also don't forget to acknowledge your everyday effort and achievement. One at a time and you are in the right direction!
1 x