I've just almost lost everyone i care about

Hi

In the recovery program I found out how unhealthy I was.

In the recovery program I found out how to become healthy and live amuch healthier life with out my addictions and obsessions.

In the recovery program I found out how to love my self.

In the recovery program I found out how to respect my self.

Dave L

Hi, your in exactly the same position I was over 12 years ago, its late so i will reply properly later. Please don't carry on making the mistakes I have done since then. Be honest with your family about everything no matter how ashamed you may be, if you have even one secret it will drag you back to gambling to try cover it up. Get all the support available to you, theres loads of options on here to start with. You have to want to stop because YOU want to stop, if you dont and are only trying for others you'll really struggle. Sorry for the quick reply ill be back later. P.

@b97m8nurvc. Sorry to hear and well done for your post.

In time you may see everyone finding out as a positive and the point at which you reached out for help and regained control.

At one point I would rather have died than let people know about my gambling issues.  But actually being open about it was the first step to becoming gamble free.

re frame it.  Yesterday was the point at which you started proper recovery and moving towards a better life.

Definitely get some gambling blocks in place.  See about getting some additional help like counciling.

Keep us updated and all the best

Hi, Thank you for your comments. I feel like I've hit lower than rock bottom. I have got an appointment with the doctor on Saturday. There is also a GA meeting on Sunday night which is not in my town but I'm willing to travel. 

My family are all ashamed of me.

Hi @kelalu

You are right now very fortunate as you are speaking with people who have either been or are where you are now.

People like us are unwell, people that do not have this issue do not understand the illness without looking into it further.

Someone finding out/ telling someone about the issue and how bad it’s got is actually what you needed to break out of this habit, imagine they were like, it’s ok never mind….you would just carry on right no big deal.

The fact they have reacted the way they have shows the impact this illness has on other people around us, there for is currently acting as a focus in the forefront of your mind stopping you from wanting to do it more.

This can be undone. It takes a lot of hard work and showing people you are stronger than you thought you were. Like any addition all of them in time will cause hurt to ourselves and others.

we don’t think about it at the time as we are just fulfilling the dopamine buzz our mind is craving. 

you can’t turn back time but you can work on the future.

let them be angry at you, you have hurt them. They deserve to be able to vent, you are feeling guilty and ashamed.

Time heals all, if you work on repairing what you have done, they will work on repairing their own hurt.

walking away will not solve this, every relationship needs work to survive family or otherwise 

good luck and think forwards not backwards

All the best 

CGG

The most important thing is the truth is out. You can’t begin to recover until this happens. Now you have to show everyone how you want to move forward. Come clean, no secrets, create a plan, put blocks in place, ask for help. You’ll be surprised how much support you will get if you really open up and show a true desire to quit. We are ill as gamblers and we can heal. No matter what happens, you have to realise that gambling caused this. If you ever want a chance of a happy life again, you can’t go back. 

Stay strong 💪