Hi Don
Thanks for your message on my thread. Yes, we are all “in the same boat”.
Struggling over control of our thoughts and actions. Struggling over letting go of what has been lost.
Struggling over thoughts of “the big win”.
We have to try and take control of a life WITHOUT gambling.
I have finally admitted to myself that gambling has won. It has got the better of me, no doubt. I am incapable of controlling myself in that environment.
I am an addict and always will be. I am ‘wired up” that way.
Now I am committed to stopping. For my mental and physical health, for my loved ones, for my future.
I have excluded myself as far as possible from all forms of gambling. This has helped no end, as when those urges start to take shape I know I can’t gamble.
This is kind of buying me time to try and get my thoughts in order. To renew old interests, take up some newer interests. To prepare for that life out there without gambling.
Thoughts of what I have lost will hopefully ease over time. Especially if I can become a better man for the whole experience.
At the end of your last post you mentioned you guess it isn’t possible to enjoy gambling as you are an addict.
That is true. It is IMPOSSIBLE. This is one of the first things we must realise and FULLY admit to.
It isn’t easy and never will be. But lots of things in life we have to work hard to get.
I have found taking things day by day that I am forming a new, maintainable mindset. I will not gamble today.
All the best buddy, be strong and stay strong. Keep posting.
