At the end of the road

I hope that you can find some face to face help... if you don't like gambler anonomous maybe you can go anyway just to be able to connect with others and explain the dire straights you find yourself in so that perhaps some kind soul can offer an ear, a heart and some advise. There are financial experts sometime at those meetings... members who help other member with debts and money issues. Take care, breath. I don't know much about bankruptcy but maybe it would work. Just take a few moments to breath and know that life will unfold differently from this point. Get some face to face connection with people who understand. tara2 okay! take care of yourself.

Hi woolyblu. The best thing to do is call gamcare they will give you advice and the best place to get debt advice from. National debtline, debt camel, citizens advice, stepchange etc. Get job hunting. The money is gone, don't think you'll win it back. Try and find a meeting asap. It doesn't matter if you don't like them, go. Hopefully someone with far more experience will come on and give you better advice. But definitely get some help today.

Hi Woolyblu,

Well done on recognising the problem with your gambling, and for taking steps to overcome it. You've acknowledged how you've tended to chase losses, how things got really out of control, and how you've used cash withdrawals from credit cards to fund gambling and to cover your tracks. You've mentioned you realised that going it alone and managing it alone is not working.

I appreciate at this stage it feels difficult to talk to your wife, but it sounds like that could potentially make a major difference in finding the resolve and the focus for recovery. Also just to have someone help you manage the money you do have access to so you don't gamble it.

I would agree with Merry go round, call National Debtline or Stepchange, see what they recommend in your particular situation.

Please feel welcome to talk things through with a GamCare adviser on 0808 8020 133 or on our Netline. The advisers can provide emotional support and helpful information, as well as facilitate referrals to counselling appointments if you'd like to access that service too.

Keep posting and engaging on the Forum as well, you will find it beneficial.

All the best,

Eva
Forum Admin

Thanks for the works of support, they are much appreciated. I think I have realised that until I can admit to my wife the position I am in, there is no point me even trying to move forward, as that will be my first main step. After that I can address my gambling addiction and then my finances. The worry of it all is making me feel very ill, I am so stressed it feels like my heart is going to blow up.

Many Thanks