A Hello from Me

Hello Freshstart208,

Welcome to the forum, and well done on installing blocking software on your PC.

You mentioned that you're not sure how to block your access to gambling sites on your iPad. Some of our Forum Users have mentioned using Net Nanny or other compatible Parental Control software on their iPad (Perhaps look at Parental Controls available from iTunes or see what Apple recommends for your iPad). The way Parental Controls are usually used, it that someone else holds the password so that you can't reconfigure the settings, so this could be an opportunity to allow someone close to you to support your recovery in this practical way.

About your debt; you might like to obtain impartial, free, professional debt advice. Some of the services mentioned by our forum Users include:

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/Pages/default.aspx

https://www.payplan.com/

http://www.stepchange.org/

It is good that you've started a recovery diary here. You're welcome to join our community chat rooms too.

http://www.gamcare.org.uk/forums/gamcare-service-updates-events

Take care,

Adam.

Hi I'm 27 and have a gambling problem. It's got me into debt nearly cost me my relationship with my girlfriend. I tell myself I only need one big win and I will be out of money problems but once I do win big I gamble with that money instead of paying my overdraft off. I have a full time job but still never have money! Everywhere I go I see ads about gambling or it's always in the back of my mind. I have not gambled for a month but the urge is there now to start again. Please help with coping with this. Thanks

Hey fresh start. I had a similar problem with betting on my iPhone. You can block sites yourself manually via the restriction settings, although this does require someone else to created the code, and you to then enter every website.

If you do this and then self exclude it can go part way to blocking the sites. If you need any more info just let me know.

RA

Hi freshstart208.

Is there anyone close you can talk to about it?

The blocking software goes hand in hand with openess, honesty and counselling.

I know about those slots and it could also lie dormant in me for a while. However in that sense it is always in you and can erupt based on pressure or just pure depression. When I finally blocked and visited the doctor , I felt positive and a healthly state of mind began to return

You may have to hand those gadgets over or have them monitored.

It eases when you talk about it and begin to realise its a mugs game. It eases when you face reality and what gambling actually did to you. It eases when those urges are immediately countered with a feeling that its always lose lose lose.

When talking things through try justifying every action in the cold light of day. Try describing your actions and it just sounds loopy. You will begin to sense what a non gambler is hearing from you. You cant rationalise it because compulsive gambling is an illness of the mind

Its not a game and it just isnt fun. Its a deadly serious addiction and mind control.

I wish you all the very best

Hi freshstart , you are not alone ! ,there are 100000s of us in this country . Read the forums? and maybe give gamcare a call ?

Online is the worst of the lot ,as you dont think of it as "money" ... just more gambling tokens . Try and stay strong m8 and maybe start a recovery diary when you feel strong enough . GA is a good start also ,you will get plenty of support there.

I hope too see you are 7 days gamble free soon !