Eventually broke down and confessed on Monday to the family. Too many years gambling and too much money spent. Big debts. All down to me. Feel useless and worthless and all down to the FOBT slots.
No access to any money which is good
How do I get through all of this mentally?
Considered counselling? contact gamcare to give you the downlow
Im due a change to bro
Hi Balvaird
GA would be a good starting point for you. They have all been through what you will be going through. being able to talk to people who understand is very important. They know how you feel.
Make sure the family put in the financial constraints to hinder your gambling. If you have urges, discuss them. Don't bottle them up. Talking about things eases the pressures on yourself. Occupying your mind is going to be a challenge. Any distraction that keeps your interest is good.
It becomes easier as the days add up. Be wary though, don't let your guard down. Many people have had a bust after years of abstinence.
Best wishes
...........
Thank you all
Hi Balvaird,
Welcome to the Forum, and thanks for your post too.
Disclosing to your family after this many years of gambling is an act of bravemess; well done for that. Hopefully, you’ll have their help and support in stopping gambling.
At Gamcare, we can offer you advice on strategies and boundaries to put in place to help you to overcome your problematic gambling. We can also refer you for 12 sessions of free counselling, and nearest to where you live. The counsellor would be able to explore with you the reason why you’re gambling, and finds it difficult to stop. He/ she would also help you to recognise what your triggers are, and to find an effective way to manage them. Sometimes, the reason why you gamble, and finds it difficult to stop even though you don’t want to gamble, is because of other underlying issues, which you’re not even aware of. For this reason, I think you seem to be someone who will benefit from counselling support.
It would be advisable to replace your spare time/ gambling time with other forms of activities/ hobbies to distract yourself from gambling.
Self Exclusion from all the places that you gamble from is something you have to go for in order to stop yourself from gambling.
Maybe you’ll like to contact our free phone line on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers. An adviser would be able to refer you for counselling, and you can also have discussion about strategies and boundaries (internet blocking software for online gambling) to help you overcome your gambling problem. We are open for business everyday from 8.00am to midnight.
Thanks again for your post, and pls. keep posting.
Best wishes,
Beatrice
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.
