Not going to list my full story, but long story short
12 Apr 25 I discovered my wife's gambling addiction, which led to her opening up and telling all. Fast forward and we reached the 1 year gamble free milestone.
We are now both aiming to become volunteer peer aid support workers to help others in similar situations
Our relationship is stronger than ever, becasue she owned the problem and took responsibility for it while I stood by her side supporting her.
Don't be afraid to reach out, I am happy to discuss more about our journey, just ask
This is amazing mate congrats make sure u treat her i to have passed the 1000 days bet free and my life has completely transformed for the better i love hearing other stories like this just shows with the right support anything is possible in life looking at the addiction from a general standpoint everything against an addict the adverts it an extremely difficuilt situation to be in and having that little extra support makes a massive difference i know it gets better has i have been in recovery since 2010 sadly the problem is not only the operators alot of people dont appreciate how far they have come and negativety doesnt get u anywhere in life seeing posts like yours is what drives me to keep coming back so thankyou and appreciate👍
Doug, I'm sure you are very proud and are a true success story. It took a lot to stand by your wife and help her as much as I know you have.Â
That moment of honesty is absolute dread for a gambler and was for me. The relief of knowing that it's no more lies is met with misery by affected others. You as a couple can break down the stigma and you will be amazing as peer aid supporters
And being on this journey with her i have educated myself about Gambling addiction, its far like another addiction as its hidden.Â
As much as the 1 year GF was an achievement for her it also had a negative impact because on reflection she says I shouldnt be celebrating being free of something I shouldnt have done in the firet place, but thats just the regret.
I have learnt alot, especially noticing there ist much out there for Male affected others, so hopefully becoming a peer aid for affected others can help me do somthing for others
Hi Dougie
And let's not forget that every zoom, members on here is levelling out the gender split. There are a lot of affected other men out there and you two can really help them. Reducing the stigma would allow couples to not only come into recovery but also stay together. Once people realise that the problem isn't gambling it's the coping strategy, then it's easier to understand that it's not something you just give up. Work on the problem and then you don't need the solution.Â
I commend you so much for all you have done. I have no doubt how hard it's been and I think so many affected others give too much to their partner and don't work on their own recovery as well or blame themselves.Â
You are right in saying that it's a hidden addiction as it shows no physical signs but it's double that as we hide it as well with a web of lies. I said last night in the new 6pm zoom that compuslvie gamblers would make fantastic actors. Also imagine a series of traitors with compulsive gamblers as contestants when still in action. It would be the best thing on TVÂ
Mate i totally understand where your partners coming from this is actually a good sign even though it an addiction i realised as humans we are not perfect we make mistakes i still regret certain actions once an addict realises their a problem choices can be me like any other addiction like why didnt i do such an such why did i let it go on and i completely understand i have only recently accepted this
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