It will Improve with time and hard work and staying gamble free. You went a year so you know the feeling of not thinking about betting. But I’m guessing you also know the feeling of relapsing and losing everything. Both feelings are opposite
Ends of the spectrum. One feeling is so amazing, working hard for your $, watching it grow, treating yourself to things you want to buy, being able to take holidays, go to dinners etc. Being well.. you know.. happy about life again. Now the other feeling.. the feeling you and I are both feeling right now, this is one of the worst feelings I’ve ever experienced. I’ve come down off benders of drugs and alcohol, I’ve had flus and colds for months where I couldn’t speak or get out of bed. But the feeling of losing every penny, is indescribable. Like you, I am in a rough place as I have relapsed also, after 38 days of abstinence. We must really think about these two feelings when we want to gamble next. Do we want our lives back where we didn’t think of gambling? Or do we want to feel sad, depressed, empty, financially in a hole. I’m so fed up and never want to feel this way again. Have you tried GA or one on one
Counselling ? I find it really holds us accountable. When I was regularly going to counselling , I would almost feel if I relapsed, I wouldn’t not only be letting myself down but also my therapist. Same as GA. I would not want to go in there every week saying hi my name is Stephen and once again (TODAY) was the last time I gambled. It’s embarrassing and I feel those two things really hold me accountable to my addiction. Also coming on here and reading threads seeing how crazy this addiction can be, really helps. Now we have to read the threads when we get the urge, or post on our journal when we get the urge. Don’t wait till after you relapse like I do. Even if you relapse and win, come on here and say I relapsed !! Don’t wait till you lose.. I’ve done it 100’s of times and
Now it’s time for change. I wish you all the best in your recovery and know you’re not alone. We are all in this together and I truly believe we can all come out on top. Stay strong

Hello and thanks for starting a thread in the Gambling Therapy forums

Here at Gambling Therapy we pride ourselves on being a caring and diverse online community who can help and support you with the difficulties you’re currently facing. We understand that this might be a tough time for you, particularly if you’re new to recovery, so come here as often as you need to and participate in the forums, access online groups and connect to the live advice helpline if you need one to one support. We’re in this together!

Here on the forum you can share your experiences in a safe, supportive and accepting environment. The beauty of writing it all down is that you can take your time and you will be creating a record of your progress that you can look back on if it ever feels like you’re not moving forward. So, share as much or as little as you like but do try to stick to keeping just one thread in this forum so people know where to find you if they want to be updated on your progress or share something with you.

As well as the forums New Members are invited to join Charles in the New Members Practical Advice Group On Mondays at 21:00 (UK) and Thursday at 19:00(UK)

And on that note….

I’m going to hand you over to our community because I’m sure they will have some words of wisdom for you 🙂

Take care

The Gambling Therapy Team

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