Hi DE
It’s been a while since I posted but I’m pleased to read that you are doing so well.
I think a visit to a psychiatrist or addiction counsellor is a great idea. I have got my life together after many attempts and many years of the painful, shameful cycle. I couldn’t have done it on my own…I had an excellent counsellor to help me through the early months.
You asked in an earlier post if anyone had tried meds? I tried NAC which has been shown to reduce gambling urges. It honestly worked for a while but made me feel so ill I could not face taking it.
Another thing that helped me was mindfulness. I thought it was the biggest load of nonsense until I tried it.
You are dealing with one of the most difficult days in the month- payday. Take credit for putting blockers in place. Once you get through this month next payday will look a lot brighter.
I would suggest you treat yourself to something you would not normally buy yourself. For me it was a handbag or a piece of jewellery. It meant I could be reminded several times daily of what I was gaining by not gamblingand it also reminded me that i am worth spending my money on. We are worth it but somewhere along the way we forget that.
Remember if you can do 16 days you can do 160!