Days Since Last Betting: 14
Yesterday, I attended the topic group on here. The topic this week was testing ourselves. We looked at ways in which we can test ourselves, and what are the pros and cons of doing so are. We basically categorised testing ourselves as anything we do that puts our recovery to the test. Examples would be placing “pretend bets” i.e. picking out bets you would have bet on. Looking up odds, using Free Bets, going to a venue where you know you will have access to betting, etc.
We discussed various downsides to doing these activities, all of which led to the same end result, they put added stress/pressure on staying gamble-free and increased the chances of relapsing and placing a bet. We then flipped it and tried to look at the positives, and these were minimal, or non-existent leading us to the conclusion that as a general rule, we have a better chance at staying Gambling Free if we limit testing ourselves as much as possible.
Later today, I will be attending a 3rd SMART intro meeting.