I'm 22 years old and I have loved to have a bet on the horses for a number of years. They have never caused me a major problem with gambling.
However about four years ago after splitting up with my girlfriend, I placed a large bet which won. This led me to lose all of my savings online and all I had won. My parents found out that I had lost and I have never seen disappointment in there eyes like it before.
Four years on and after building my savings back up. I have repeated the same trick and have put myself in debt on this occasion. I don't no how I can break it to my supportive lovely parents , that I have let them down so badly again.
I just need some guidance.
BoyinNeed92
Hi m8, welcome to the site it has shown courage to share your troubles. It's amazing how it's easier to share with strangers but so hard to tell our loved ones, I wonder why that is. I found myself in a similar position should I tell or keep it to myself..... This is a choice for you to decide but from personal experience I found it so much easier getting it all out in the open, don't get me wrong the disappointment in others eyes was obvious but my parents unconditional love for me took over and have given me so much support. Whatever you decide remember you are not alone there is hundreds of us here who will help if you need.
Be safe.
Del 🙂
Hi BoyinNeed,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. It sounds like gambling has caused you quite a lot of stress in the last few years. What do you want to do about it at this point? Are you wanting to give it up altogether? If you admit to your parents that you have a gambling problem and are seeking help for it, yes, they might be disappointed somewhat, but I think it's a certainty that they'll also be supportive of you and do what they can to assist in your recovery. Keeping these types of things hidden is an enormous burden, and the more open you are about your issue with gambling, the more likely you are to succeed in getting your life back on track. You do have to follow through with getting help, though, and show everyone that you're serious.
Individual counselling is what tends to help gamblers the most if they're trying to quit, and we can point you in the direction of that if you're interested. That can help you with ways to manage your urges better and find healthier behaviours, as well as help address any underlying reasons for your gambling. We have partner agencies in many parts of the country that provide that service at no cost to you, and it's really nice to have that additional support when you're trying to improve yourself. Let us know if we can help with that; we're happy to speak with you on the Helpline (0808 8020 133) or the Netline from 8am to midnight every day.
It does take courage to address all this, like Del says, and you've taken a great first step by posting on here. Hang in there, and I hope this helps.
Travis
BoyInNeed92, you need to accept that your gambling is out of control & stop it now while you are still so young & able to get on with a fulfilling life! Gambling was with me for 30 decades & it sucks! There is never an easy time to stop as none of us would be here looking for help. As Del says, telling your parents is a choice for you but the easiest way to stay in recovery is with people behind you! Telling them & asking for help will, I expect, be less painful for them than should they just find out! Can you turn your finances over to them until you are a bit stronger? If you break the Time-Money-Location triangle, you cannot gamble!
You should consider the Gamcare advice, all anyone on here wants is to see people staying safe from gambling & it matters not what tools we each use to do so! You can do this - ODAAT
Thank you for all of your advice.
Tomorrow, Saturday 17th January 2015. Is the day I move forward and move away from this gambling web.
I will keep you posted, I could really do with your support.
BoyinNeed92
My recovery song - Eminem (Not Afraid) This is a song we should all have a listen to, I hope it helps!
You have it!
Not sure what happened to the 16th but that is over & done with now!
Today is your Day 1, no excuses!
Be safe, be strong - ODAAT
Onwards & upwards!
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
