It’s been 3 weeks since I last gambled on anything and 3 weeks since I was close to losing everything.  Since coming clean about my addiction to my wife the relief it had given me not having to hide how I had spent money not coming up with excuses as to how certain bills never got paid i think has given me the strength I need to stay gamble free. The urge is still there  as I know myself I’m still at the early stages of recovery but the support of my wife friends and family is keeping me strong
Also the support from other members here is a great help being able to speak to people who are also at the start of their journey of self recovery to those who have made it through and want to help people like myselfÂ
At the very start of my journey i starting using both gamstop and gamban which are useful tools I would advise anyone at the start of their journey to use I also have full control of my money to my wife which again was a great help I’m not saying everyone should do this but when starting to rebuild trust to save my marriage this was a great helpÂ
With the help that is in place for me that I didn’t know was there I feel I can complete my journey of self recovery  I have no idea how long that will take but it’s a journey I know is worth takingÂ
Hi Chris, well done on your progress. You have done all the right things and the same as I did when I started with the blockers and handing over control of finances. Do you feel that now that your secret is out you have no need to gamble? Thats what I felt like when my wife found out as I had no reason to forlornly chase the losses hoping to win big to replace what I'd lost before being found out.
I'm now 2 years gamble free and my wife still controls our finances which doesn't bother me. The main thing from that sentence is that she's still my wife and has been amazing throughout my recovery.
You mention you don't know how long your recovery will take but, look at it this way, you never want to be where you were again so recovery is a lifelong commitment to achieve a better life for you and your family.
What helped me as well when I started was some counselling arranged by Gamcare which is free. This was really good being able to talk about the how and whys of how I reached rock bottom without being judged. Maybe something to consider.
All the best
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