Harry’s thoughts post discharge. 

“Being an inpatient of the Statewide gambling Therapy Service for 16 days as an inpatient was challenging but rewarding and necessary. When asked of my goals at early meetings it was to simply stop gambling and not return to it and to be able to have access to funds without having an urge to gamble.
I feel confident I am definitely on the right track for this but more importantly, I now understand my triggers. I understand what urges areand when and why they occurand I understand the gambling cycle. I have new techniques to apply and no longer get those urges thanks to cue exposure.
I have been waking up for as long as I can remember thinking about gambling. Largely those thoughts have been regret, guilt, shame, self disappointment and being depressed because of the previous days losses. The next step was working a plan to chase those losses, with all the reasons why I shouldn’t before giving in to my permission giving thoughts. I cant describe how mentally draining this was everyday. It stopped me being me and being present for the things and people I love. Without focusing on it or even knowing it, I no longer wake this way. Yes I am concerned about the damage I have created and people I have hurt but there is no more thought of gambling, I cant explain that feeling”