8 years gambling addiction, 2 weeks gambling free

Hi bertieboo279

Firstly please accept my deepest sympathies on the loss of your dog. They truly are part of the family and my thoughts are with you at this time.

It does however sound like out of the sadness has came a real positive - well done on the last two weeks gamble free!! That's a fantastic achievement.

Please remember that we are here to support you any time of day or night should you need us. You can reach us on the Helpline (0800 802 0133) or via our online chat facility.

Best wishes

Forum Admin

Thanks, you too. 

3 weeks today, the longest I’ve ever done. 

I think the reflection time makes you take stock and realise how utterly devastating this addiction is, what you have missed out on, what you could have done, where you could have been. 

But it’s done, I can’t change the past, only the future. 

One step at a time, I will get there. 4 long years to pay off the debt but it starts this month. I was paid on Friday and it’s the first month it hasn’t been gone in the first day.

i hope you all have a lovely Xmas and here’s to our recovery in 2020

x

I hope you are not setting yourself up for a relapse by holding onto the memory of your dog as a way to stop.

Just remember how strong your addiction is, you will have to fight the urges when they do come, and they will come. I wish you all the best.

I am so sorry for the loss of your dog. It’s so sad that you are blaming yourself but I sometimes think we need to total devastation to make us realise. 

For me this time it’s the Fact my family are sick of me Borrowing from them for the last year . I work hard and have done from the age of  17. I have never before last year borrowed a penny from anyone. That shame for me literally kills me daily. The fact my credit rating is so wrecked now that I cannot get a mortgage to give my kids the stability they deserve also kills me. 

I have tried to stop before thinking I was at rock bottom but I had an almost born again moment 2 weeks ago where this huge realisation hit me like a train. 

make sure you have your blocks in place. Speak to gamcare if you haven’t already, but please try and be kind to yourself. This is an illness and addiction just like alcohol or drugs. 

we are all here for you