Hi everyone. Ive not gambled since before Christmas. My gambling, really started due to boredom, being depressed and being lonely. I am making complaints to various lenders and also to over 40 casinos about irresponsible lending./gaming To give me a focus to fill void of gambling.
I came clean to my husband about everything but he has stood by me which I'm thankful for. I know I'm to blame for situation I'm in but there should still be focus on lenders and casinos that take advantage of vulnerable adults.Â
Initially was great saver, had great credit rating, no loans, mortgage clear everything was great. In 2015 i had breast cancer, chemo, radiotherapy and on medication still to this day. Ive had many operations but 2019 things came to a head at work, i was forgetful (still am) servely fatigued, and in a lot of pain. I had to take ill health retirement.
Hello Andersong1dog,
Thanks for sharing your story.
You have been through so much, with your health, and with your gambling. Well done for opening up to your family, and sharing here too.
It sounds like your love for your family is a protective factor for you, and you feel keen to take an active approach to your recovery.
If you like, you could start an online journal in the 'Recovery diaries' section of the forum, as a way to get into a routine of regularly posting on the forum. You would also be welcome to attend the chatrooms, so you can get immediate peer support.
You might be aware that free 1-2-1 appointments are also available, if you would like a regular support session with a practitioner. Please call us at any time on freephone 0808 8020 133, if you would like to discuss support options. We can facilitate your referral to your local support service, if you would like that.Â
If you don't feel like calling us just now, here are a few links to browse:
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/outreach-and-training/womens-pathway/
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/find-local-support/
https://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support/online-support-services/
Take care,
Adam.
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Thank you Adam. I joined chat on Friday and really felt good about it. Yeah ill defo look at diary. I do have short term memory loss since chemo so defo need to set reminders. I'm glad I've opened up as it's honestly took that heavy load off
I am really sorry to hear about your health issues and can understand how easy it id to get wrapped in all of this, i cant offer any legal advice from ethical point of view the banks should offer better protection for its customers to ensure their safety, the funny thing was i actually got a call from the bank when i purchased something over few hundred pounds yet when i was lossing my wages to gambling and taking loans out i didnt once get any calls to ask if i had any issues. What i can suggest putting all blocks in place and handing financal control  thing can surely improve am on day 574 g/f so it surely is possible to improve, i was fortunate enough my debt wasent huge however throughout the years i have been gambling i have lost over £150k and i will have to live with this, what worked for me early days was checking this site and using the chatroom regularly which helped me understand i am not alone the only people who understand this addiction are the people who are addicts themselves so dont be too hard yourself i use to be very selfish person it was all about me, now my outlook is to help myself and others who are starting this journey and if it means to spend abit of time coming and listening to other people i have to push myself to keep me going
@tazman I am the same, online purchases held and queried but big transfers to paypal or in from PayPal or gaming sites were not challenged.
I feel good about speaking out here as no judgement. Even though I've told my family it's hard to explain how I gambled away over 200000.00 in 2 years. My husband will say but would you walk in bookies and put 200000 on bet, I'm like it doesn't work like that I wish it was that easy and answer. Im trying to explain you just get wrapped into the buzz, excitement when you get big win so you think put enough in to get another big win and before you know it you've borrowed, used everything on many sites chasing your losses but thinking I'll get that big payout soon.
You sound like you have got to grips with everything and I'm happy for you. Im still at start and I'm totally skint paying a remortgage that I didn't need and debts. I can't even say I'm in good health. My debts probably making my health worse but my 2 kids keep me going. My son plays football u15s for big club in Glasgow and looks like he could go all the way and my daughter with her studies so that all keeps my motivation going. Â
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