The beginnings are hard, especially with sports betting it seems because there's always something starting or ending while the struggle is the toughest.
I would start by not telling the bookie anything, but rather, blocking his number for calls or texts. He'll get the idea.
As far as getting through it, remember the pain that got you here each time you get the urge. Read through the posts here to see the struggles we've all overcome, and perhaps more importantly those we haven't and the results. Unfortunately, this disease is progressive- it only gets worse over time, never better. So, you can count on an even bigger problem in the long run if you give in. Don't give in or give up on your recovery and yourself. It's been a tough 20 days, I'm sure, but those 20 days are proof that you can make it!
I'd also look for a GA meeting in your area for local, real life support.
Hang in there!
Jay

Ditto to everything Jay said.
Last GA meeting, two of our mrmbers went to 11 casinos and banned themselves. They both were really depressed and feeling like they lost their very best friend. I completely get how they feel. I felt the same way when I quit gambling and banned myself. I think that over time, the withdrawls get better, but for me, after 6 months, I still think aboout going. Try to keep busy and find things to do to keep your mind busy. Stay Strong. You can do it!!
Hugs
Lisa

About that bookie......If you keep him around, it's like stringing along an old girlfriend, in case the new girlfriend (sobriety) doesn't work. Did you really like that old girlfriend? Why did you break up with her? Do you ever want to go back to her? If the answer is no, then break it off completely. Don't leave that option open!

I was doing this with casino coupons. I would keep them (I thought because I couldn't stand to throw away all that money.... haaa, as if I cared about money!) but in reality, I was keeping them just in case I went back to gambling crazytown!

You asked how you can tell your bookie you are done for good..... I told my casino host (I knew her very well) that my kids were in college and I couldn't afford to gamble any more. I asked her to take me off of all of her contact lists. What could she say to that? She complied and even wished me well. It was hard to do but I was so relieved once I had done it.

If you're feeling a little iffy about whether you are going to go back to gambling maybe go back to day 1 strategies again for a while. Plan some stuff to keep you extra busy like Lisa said.

You can do this.... you've got 20 days behind you to prove it!

Hi Jere,

First of all, congratulations on 20 hard fought gamble free days. We know how tough it is especially in the beginning. You've got to dig your heels into the sand really, really deep and fight off the waves and currents from stealing away your balance....to stave off falling into the deep, dark abyss of this conniving and deadly addiction.

So here's my two cents on suggested answers to your questions:

"How can I tell my bookie "no, I am done for good? The answer is Kylee, Kennedy and "Tiger" Alexander! My, oh, my, what beautiful children you have....I saw your pics!

"How do I get these thoughts and cravings away from me?". Surround yourself with the love, admiration and excitement those children feel everytime they see their Daddy-internalize the anxiousness they must feel when you pull away, and become wrapped up/glued to the TV, agonizing over the money you have riding on the games.

I'm sorry if this feels like I'm hitting below the belt, for I know you are a strong family man....well educated and a professional in finances. But if you are unable to find the strength to stay true, and on course for yourself, then do it for them. You will never, ever regret it...I promise you that!

Sports betting was never my addiction, but I had many GA brothers who were addicted solely to that. I was a Video Poker/slot junkie, who watched sports in between deals and spins. I am a huge sports fan, and I can completely understand, that your form of gambling addiction makes it that much more difficult , for there are sports for all the seasons.

Let those text messages from your bookie fall on blind eyes and deaf ears. The alternative is to respond by saying "Kylee, Kennedy, and Tiger need me, as their father, to make good choices, so Mr. Bookie, I am bidding you an earnest farewell".

Please be well and stay the course, Jere....your family is counting on you. Love them, more than you love gambling....everything will take its course from there.

Much love and God Bless. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.

Tagg

Since I too have been struggling I have only my support to add to the list. I have been reading the advice and suggestions from others and I think their are some pretty candid people here...I am benefiting as well from the reminder of the true "Hell" gambling puts us through.

I used to see a gambling counselor once a week...one on one. I learned that gambling addiction is one of the strongest addictions to overcome...it is right up there with heroine my counselor told me...thank the "Good Lord" I do not have that problem. However, with that said imagine if you will the craving one gets from withdrawal.

We have to go through it to get through it...I know this is not easy...it is hard for me since I have a husband who still gambles. I am not blaming him or using this as en excuse...it's just that it makes it harder when this was something that we always did together.

This is my battle...nobody can fight this but me. If I want to overcome this I have to realize what I am up against and I have to make good choices...many times those choices will be hard/have been hard. As a matter of fact...it's damn hard.

The upside to all of this....it can be done and we can beat this. I know this because the people who have posted here are success stories. I want what they have....so I will do what they are doing.

Take Care...you're doing great!!

I don't know who that little boy is in your picture but boy oh boy is he a cutie! If he is your son just look into those eyes of his and see his future, his love for you,, his dependence on you. You are his role model, you are charged with raising him the best you can. Call or text that bookie and tell him you are done. You no longer gamble, it has become a problem for you and you would appreciate him not contacting you for gambling purposes again. Go to a fun place with your son.( I am assuming) spend the money you would have lost on building memories with him! You can do it!!