15 years off gambling. I need to take control of my life

You can do it. Maybe my story will help you. In the year 2000 i was tens of thousands in debt. I kept gambling but smaller amounts so the debt didnt grow too much bigger. I made a payment plan and by 2009 was debt free. Five years ago, I completely blocked myself. Today, I have no debts, my house mortgage is completely paid off, I have no credit card debt, my car is paid in full and I have savings in the bank. My gambling over the last few years has been very very small, just using 'free' money like if I get a cash tip at work or find money on the ground, so I have had no negative financial impact from gambling in the last five years. You are young, the future is ahead of you, you can make progress once you block everything. I am such a compulsive gambler that once I start I can't stop so I had to make myself have no access to cash. My wife handles all finances. There is hope, just keep moving forward. Best wishes. 

Thank you for your reply. That would be my dream to be gambling free like you and the dream of actually owning my own home would be something I could never even of think of. This time I can honestly say to my self I am fully committed now to stop this gambling now and change my life forever 

@martin-90 Have you talked to your dad about your problem? Do you have any support in person?

Chris.

Hi Chris. Thanks for your reply. Yeah I finally opened up as my family didn’t even know I was still gambling as I was telling them I haven’t gambled in months which really I was gambling everyday so I am glad I have it of my chest now and this time with my family’s support and support from Gamcare I am fully committed to stop 

@martin-90 Great to hear. In case no one else has mentioned it, could you give over your access to money to your dad? It’s a small block for the short term just to help get through those early day urges. You can get your wages paid to your dad and once a month or week, depending on how often you get paid, you sit down and make sure your payments go to wherever they need to go. Then daily or weekly you get an allowance for what you actually need, not what you want. You’ll be surprised how little you need on a daily basis. If you have more money than normal, make sure you get a receipt to give him peace of mind. Don’t forget that although you are going through something, your dad is dealing with a different side of the problem. Help him to help you. 
What do you think? It’s not forever, but a few months just to give you a bit of time away from the madness that gambling causes.

Chris.