of those relapses where not much financial damage is done, sometimes hardly any – but you feel crap because you are at it again and feeling all that pain you had when gambling was your life.
I had to learn from my “slips.” What were the warning signs – the trigger to the relapse. Then act before the urge becomes reality. Talk to someone – a counsellor, GA contact, a loved one. Admit to being weak in the face of gambling urges and redouble your barriers if you can.
Once the feelings have subsided – look if there is something practical you can do to stop them from resurfacing. Mine was as simple and changing my daily walk, which was often in the city – to one in the countryside. No adverts, no betting shops (not that I used them but they were a gambling reminder) less stress.
Try and focus on someone or something other than myself. I have written elsewhere today about the benefits of voluntary work – but it might just be treating a friend to something (just time if you have no money) as long as it doesn’t involve gambling of course.
I hope to see you back in chat again. Take care.