Hi, just joined today as finally realised I need help. I’m 43 and have gambled on and off since I was 21. I’ve been in debt a few times and managed to get myself out of it. Recently I was 20k in debt from online football bets. Got lucky 2 weeks ago and won enough to clear this. However, it scared me so much how much debt I got into. I have an amazing girlfriend whom has stood by me the last few times but this is my final chance as have a 3yr old son who I adore so much and it breaks my heart knowing this could affect my relationship with them. I have my own business set up with my girlfriend which will also be destroyed if I don’t sort myself out. I have stopped before so I know I can do it but just putting 1 bet on again starts the whole addiction again. Just hope this forum and website can guide me in the correct direction away from gambling as it will ruin my life 🙁
Hi Grant.2312
Welcome to the GamCare forum. I'm sure other forum members will be along to offer support and advice. But in the meantime I would say there are a lot of practical things you can do to block yourself from being able to gamble online. If you haven't already, start by working through some of the ideas at http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do.
You would be very welcome to give us a call on the Freephone HelpLine 0808 8020 133 or chat to us on the NetLine.
Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Deirdre
Forum Admin.
Grant you've made a good move in the right direction by posting here mate.
You should feel proud of yourself for doing so, not ashamed. I gambled for about 35 years and as a result, at times, I've lived on the streets and been to jail. The shame and guilt I felt would often put me on such a downer, I would gamble again to escape from it. I'm not proud of anything I done to finance my gambling, but I no longer feel ashamed of it. It is what it is, or rather what it was..
Just like you, I didn't ask for a gambling addiction, it just crept up on me and it ruled all of my adult like until I was 50. Its over a year now since I last gambled mate, at one time I thought it impossible to get through just one day.
You always have a choice, the bottom line is as an addict I dont think we realise that we do. ,I wish I had time to write a bit more, but I'm just in after a long night shift and must get to bed.
Dont give up on yourself mate, everybody has the ability to change, and we all have the ability to start making the right choices. There is no miracle cure, the bottom line is it's as simple as learning how to say no.
All the best with it.
Geordie.
Forum admin wrote:
Hi Grant.2312
Welcome to the GamCare forum. I'm sure other forum members will be along to offer support and advice. But in the meantime I would say there are a lot of practical things you can do to block yourself from being able to gamble online. If you haven't already, start by working through some of the ideas at http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do.
You would be very welcome to give us a call on the Freephone HelpLine 0808 8020 133 or chat to us on the NetLine.
Look forward to reading more of your posts.
Deirdre
Forum Admin.
g
Thank you for the welcome and advice. Haven’t blocked myself from gambling online yet as was not sure I could do that, however I will be looking into it from your link, thank you. I only came to my senses 2 days ago so I’ve lots to think about and read about regarding gambling problems. I’m not in debt anymore so I guess that’s a good start......just need to keep myself from starting again.....but confident in doing that, especially with help and advice from being here.
Cheers,
Grant.
geordie wrote:
Grant you've made a good move in the right direction by posting here mate.
You should feel proud of yourself for doing so, not ashamed. I gambled for about 35 years and as a result, at times, I've lived on the streets and been to jail. The shame and guilt I felt would often put me on such a downer, I would gamble again to escape from it. I'm not proud of anything I done to finance my gambling, but I no longer feel ashamed of it. It is what it is, or rather what it was..
Just like you, I didn't ask for a gambling addiction, it just crept up on me and it ruled all of my adult like until I was 50. Its over a year now since I last gambled mate, at one time I thought it impossible to get through just one day.
You always have a choice, the bottom line is as an addict I dont think we realise that we do. ,I wish I had time to write a bit more, but I'm just in after a long night shift and must get to bed.
Dont give up on yourself mate, everybody has the ability to change, and we all have the ability to start making the right choices. There is no miracle cure, the bottom line is it's as simple as learning how to say no.
All the best with it.
Geordie.
Cheers Geordie,
Thanks for the support. I’m new to all this and still trying to find my way around this website lol. Thankfully I’m no longer in debt so guessing I’m in a better position than most people from what I’ve read. Just need the self control not to start again and get into debt again as I’ve done repeatedly in the past. I had gone about 5months without gambling which wasn’t a problem, but one stupid bet started a 20k debt. Frightened the life out of me how bad it got. Lying and sneaking around behind my girlfriends back putting bets on my phone. Could have easily lost my whole life but thankfully I’ve been given yet another chance which I want to grab with both hands. Not worth the risk over gambling. Hope things are getting better for you 🙂
Regards Grant.
Don’t be ashamed we have all felt that but this is a start of your new life. I was the same stopping a few times for long periods but kept pushing it aside and not getting down to the actual problem. Try the k9 software and see if you can get the counselling through Aquarius, really helping me and making me understand gambling addiction. Stay positive and take all the help you can get
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