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Original poster

Ridiculous Addiction

80 replies

ghostsandfairy · 27/01/2022 23:01

I have a ridiculous addiction - having psychic readings. I've had email readings, text readings and phone readings.

I gave up for a few months a couple of years ago and I am determined to stop altogether. My phone bill is ridiculous and I am broke this month because of it.

I've gone 6 days without a reading. I feel better but flat. The readings gave me hope and things to look forward to. I realise I have been mostly conned but a couple of psychics were quite good.

I'm not sure I could just have one reading now and again for a treat without getting addicted.

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ClumpingBambooIsALie · 13/02/2022 18:04

Yeah weekends can be really tough with stuff like this — do you live on your own?

Well done resisting!

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 13/02/2022 18:41

Thanks

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Original poster
Ghostsandfairy · 16/02/2022 12:35

Well I made it to phone bill day. I'm ashamed to say my phone bill last month was over £100 and this month it's a third of that.

I was very tempted to have a reading on Tuesday but managed not to. I distracted myself yesterday by going out early evening.

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ClumpingBambooIsALie · 16/02/2022 14:35

I'm so pleased for you 😀

Grandville · 16/02/2022 14:39

That's great news.

I wonder whether part of the attraction was just someone to listen to you, take you seriously and reassure you? This can be found elsewhere for example through some talk therapy?

LaBellina · 16/02/2022 14:48

Well done for staying away from those readings. I have no experience with this kind of addiction but I can give you my thoughts as someone who does tarot card readings purely as a hobby (I have never asked any money for it) for those around me.
There are many many people who are trying to take advantage of vulnerable people in difficult situations and asking money for readings. Stay away from them, they are not genuine and do not want to help you. They just want to scam you. The fact that they keep doing readings over and over again in a short amount of time about the same issue means they’re only interested in your money.
Someone that has your best interest at heart will give you 1 reading once in a while and tell you that if it doesn’t make sense at that time, it very likely will in time.
Tarot cards are not a way to control the future and sadly insecurity is a part of life.
Please keep doing as you do and stay away from those spiritual leeches as I call them.

WheresYourSnickers · 16/02/2022 16:26

Well done @Ghostsandfairy! Saving that amount every month will build up to a nice sum, think of something you've always wanted but told yourself you can't afford - aim for that!

Original poster
Ghostsandfairy · 16/02/2022 17:00

Thanks all. This thread has been very supportive.

@Grandville - yes that's definitely part of the attraction of having readings. I'm realising I am not very good at dealing with certain things and was in need reassurance and hope.

@LaBellina - yes there are so many people that do readings that are cons. I hadn't thought of myself as vulnerable before, just silly. I do still believe that there are a few genuine psychics/mediums out there and that's one of the problems with my addiction. I don't think that I could have a reading with a really good psychic just twice a year. It would lead to loads more.

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Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 23/02/2022 12:07

Yesterday was tough going - I really wanted a reading. I managed to get through the day without one.

I think I'm actually going to have money left in my account at the end of the month and won't have to dip into my savings. I keep checking my bank balance thinking this is great lol.

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Ariela · 23/02/2022 12:50

@ghostsandfairy

Yesterday was tough going - I really wanted a reading. I managed to get through the day without one.

I think I'm actually going to have money left in my account at the end of the month and won't have to dip into my savings. I keep checking my bank balance thinking this is great lol.

That's brilliant, well done you! I'd split the total left in your account: 50% back to your savings and the rest or part of the rest as a treat for you.
WheresYourSnickers · 23/02/2022 22:51

Well done getting through yesterday @Ghostsandfairy. It was a tough day but you did it!! 💐🥳
Keep going!

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 07/03/2022 07:26

I had a tough day yesterday and I went and had 2 readings! I was doing so well and I feel ashamed of myself.

If I stop having more readings then my splurge won't affect my finances too much for the month.

I've learnt that I need to take my time with things and not make quick decisions get readings to make me feel better. If someone or something upsets me things will be better the next day.

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Ariela · 07/03/2022 09:26

@ghostsandfairy

I had a tough day yesterday and I went and had 2 readings! I was doing so well and I feel ashamed of myself.

If I stop having more readings then my splurge won't affect my finances too much for the month.

I've learnt that I need to take my time with things and not make quick decisions get readings to make me feel better. If someone or something upsets me things will be better the next day.

MAybe, post on this thread first if things haven't gone so well/you feel weak and are considering a reading?
GoogleWhacked · 07/03/2022 10:26

Don't beat yourself up about it @Ghostsandfairy. You fell yesterday, but today you can pick yourself up and start again. Don't think that you've failed so there's no point stopping - You have succeeded for over a month, you can get to the end of March without a reading! Then you can get to the end of April.... May.... the end of the year.... keep going! You can do it!

I agree with PP, if you are feeling like you need a reading post on MN (either here on a new thread) and ask for support.

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 07/03/2022 12:24

Thanks for your support Daffodil

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Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 25/03/2022 07:09

I am back to square one with this stupid addiction.

I had a few readings this month and thought I could control it. Then I had a couple more and my phone bill to be paid next month is already £70!

I can't just have one reading every now and then as a treat. You think I would have realised that!

I'm back on the wagon so to speak.

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Loginmystery · 27/07/2022 12:38

How are you doing op? I’ve just come across your thread because I’m struggling with another addiction. I’m thinking that a 12 step program could help you because it’s about the mental aspect of addiction and not necessarily the type of addiction. Hope all is well.

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 27/07/2022 13:19

Hi @Loginmystery Thanks for checking. I'm not doing great but can control the addiction better than before. I think if I can go 10 days without ringing a psychic I can give it up again.

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Loginmystery · 27/07/2022 15:57

Well done. maybe look at replacing the addiction with something else. I’m going swimming for example. It’s a hard one but it’s a day at a time

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 27/07/2022 16:37

I'm glad you have found another focus.

It sounds bonkers but I've had the same prediction from a couple of people. I'm thinking if it doesn't come true I'll stop having readings. One reader got a name of someone close to me (quite an unusual name). It's hard not to think there's something in it.

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Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 28/07/2022 20:27

@Loginmystery - I looked into the 12 step programme. Do you think it is something I could read up about or would I need to join a group? The groups seem to be geared towards alcohol and drug addiction.

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Loginmystery · 28/07/2022 21:09

They are excellent for substance addiction problems. But I know they also have groups for overeaters and gamblers. It’s all about admitting you are powerless over the addiction.

Loginmystery · 28/07/2022 21:10

Also there are online groups now. A good thing that came from covid. So you’ll always find some support.

Beaker01 · 20/02/2024 11:01

@ghostsandfairy I realise this is a very old thread but I'm suffering the same addiction. Mine was following a breakup last year but I spend hours reading reviews of psychics on one of the phonelines and call them most days. And of course when you get a bad reading, you need lots more to cancel out the one bad one! I just don't know how to stop and feel so ashamed of myself.

I'm interested to know if you still have readings after this time?

Original poster
ghostsandfairy · 20/02/2024 18:14

@Beaker01 - hello! I ended up weaning myself off the readings. I still love having them and I find them helpful because I only have readings with readers who are spot on about my situation.

I try to have occasional recorded or email readings so that I can refer back to what has been said when I get the urge for a reading.

It can get to the point where you have a reading to soothe all sorts of feelings like heartbreak and anxiety but I try and distract myself and face the feelings instead.

There is a webpage called Psychic Reviews where people post about being addicted to readings. You can read about how people have overcome it.

You'll feel much better when you are more in control of your money Flowers

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