Could anyone offer some encouragement and support for a moment

[Grave]

Name changed

I'm on day 91 of quitting gambling and today is really hard. I've got a horrible mental itch that I can't scratch and nobody from my support network is available to talk - working/holidays/bank holiday madness!

I'm not going to gamble. I know that and I'm in control. But can anyone distract me a little to ease this itch? I've been laying in bed for an hour tossing and turning, I thought sleep would help but I'm too distracted I can't...

Wow!! Just think how amazing you're going to feel on day 100!!! Xxx

desperately trying to think of ways to distract you
But really want to say a big well done!
Addictions are awful but getting a hold on it is the best feeling!

Do you have any plans to celebrate? A treat perhaps?

Well done for posting. Here for you!

Did you know that octopuses have a beak? Take my word for it because you don’t want to see a photo, it’s gross. But it’s very interesting

Do you know how cashew nuts grow and that they’re not actually nuts? Google that if not. Amazing!

First of all well done; you are doing brilliantly.

Could you treat yourself to something really nice instead? Not necessarily expensive, just something you wouldn't normally have bought. Have it as a present for doing so well. Buy something lovely online right now.

I have no knowledge of gambling btw and no conception of how hard it must be to quit. But stick with it

I'm here. I support you. How can I distract you?

I'm up late doing washing since we just got back from a weekend in Bristol. We took the kids on our first intra-UK city break and it was fantastic. Have you ever been to Bristol?

Have you read Middlemarch? (From another thread on here!) I'm joining a read-along as I've never read it properly.

I often listen to the Harmony app when I can't get to sleep - I have terrible eczema and am often itching and in pain. Have you ever tried hypnotherapy? I thought it was a bit woo but it really helps me so poss placebo effect but I'll take it!

Thank you both, I think I just need to not be home alone with the kids all asleep. Tempted to wake the eldest up for a chat to distract me but I know I'll regret that in the morning!
I'm sat here hoping the baby wakes up!

How about reading a book, putting on the tv, watching a film, yoga?

Calling the Samaritans? I do that when I need to vent/ support.

If you could make one sandwich that would be the only sandwich you could eat for the rest of your life, what would it be?

What's your order at Starbucks/McDonald's/Tesco meal deal (or your usual alternatives)?

What's the strangest (lighthearted!) thing you've ever seen/done/heard about?

You can do this OP! I'm so proud of you 🌹💕 just keep yourself distracted with silly stuff until you can sleep.

Oh and well done. You're doing brilliantly.

@Xiaoxiong nope never been to Bristol but definitely going to give it a google now. I have a friend who lives there so that may be a fun destination with the kids.

Well done you! You are in control and you are beating this. Cream tea is a well deserved treat for the Bank Holiday tomorrow.

@AnneLovesGilbert your octopus fact was disturbingly beautiful but your username is even better.
I'm currently reading Anne of Windy Poplars!

@yellowspottedwellies and @highlandcoo I haven't bought anything for myself but have bought a lovely gift for middle child I know she will love. seeing her happy will make me happy, especially as I know I could afford it because I didn't piss all the money up the wall

Bristol is the best city in the UK. I'm from there and Anne of Green Gables books are well thumbed in this house.

@argumentativefeminist Chicken and bacon all the way, how about you?

This is working so well 😁

Wow well done! And great idea to come here for distraction!
Have you read the penis beaker thread? It had me crying with laughter!! (That May even wake the baby up for you !)

@elephantoverthehill I feel like I'm missing out now!
Hubby and I take a night away each year without the kids... I think it may have to be Bristol next year

@House4 yes! And the sex towel thread 😂
Although I think my favourite thread ever was the "apparently I'm dead" one.

Still makes me laugh when I think about it

Grave I like a homemade chicken and bacon but something about cold bacon from the shop is a big ol no from me. My forever sandwich would have to be garlic chicken, pesto, mozzarella and fat juicy tomato slices 😍😍😍

Oh my goodness we loved visiting Bristol. We were mainly around the harbour - went to the SS Great Britain for Brunel and engineering and seafaring history, then the M Shed for Bristol history and culture. The kids loved the Aquarium but the best of our trip was We the Curious, the science museum - could have spent days and days there. I wish we lived closer, we go to the Science Museum in London all the time but the Bristol one was so much better!! And the SS Great Britain was better than the Curry Sark. Food was fantastic, we went down to Wapping Wharf, lots of independent restaurants and cafes.

I'm here. I'm back on the wagon after a spectacular relapse (booze). Dunno if it's the same with gambling but I've been encouraged to "play it all the way to the end" so when I'm taking it tough and really want just one drink I visualise what happens after that first drink right up until I end up on the gin for breakfast. I don't know if that would work for you.

@argumentativefeminist I now have to admit that I have reached the grand old age of 30 and have never tried pesto. It doesn't look appealing. Am I missing out?

You are definitely missing out. Pesto is amazing. Massive umami hit!