I'm new here and first time accessing gambling help services. I've been a gambling addict for 18 years now (currently mid 30s).
It's got to the stage were I can't control the impulse, and every normal thing becomes secondary to this habit. I've already opened up to my wife about my struggles, however, have recently relapsed again, and find it becoming a never ending cycle.
I'm quite familiar with the psychology aspect, dopamine hits, function of the brain, and changes in brain pathways due to gambling.
I'm looking advice from others on what's worked for them to stay off gambling?
Currently I'm on gamstop.
I've a moderate amount of debt 6000 between credit cards, and loans. I'm in a reasonably paid job but that counts for nothing when you can't control your impulses.
Anyway, any help/advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Kalel
It's a good time to give up. Signing up for Gamstop like you have and Gamban helps set some blocks. I'm also on Moses and Sense for extra protection. My bank card is blocked from gambling transactions and reduced my atm limit to £10. I've made sure everyone knows I have a problem to build accountability.
I come on here everyday for the chatrooms and reading topics
What I work on every day is the problem. The solution was gambling, a bad solution but it was never the problem
@lp5vut869c Thank you for your response and advice. I have also come to realise that gambling is a symptom of an unresolved issue that I'm trying to get to the bottom of.
I'll take onboard the other strategies you're using and my goal is to visit this daily and take one day at a time.
Hi Kalel, welcome to GamCare. You've found a great place in the community, support and sign posting here.
I am a similar age to you, and have been a compulsive gambler for 14+ years. Stuart has given some great advice above and I would definitely recommend as many blockers as you can.
I originally joined GamCare in 2024, but I didn't put all the blocks in place at that point and I didn't work on the problem. Long story short, I let myself slip back into the cycle and complacency, caused a whole load more damage to myself and my finances for another 1.5 years until I returned back here again. This time I am currently 4 months gamble free and I can see light at the end of the tunnel.
How have you been accessing gambling? GamBan has been great for me in staving off a couple of urges I've had so far. I've also accessed counselling through GamCare, and have found that really useful in maintaining awareness and accountability. I also self referred to the NHS Gambling Service and have been having weekly therapy sessions, which has been useful in digging deeper into the underlying problems and bringing further awareness.
I've also been very strictly managing my finances for the last 4 months - I have a string of debt that needs paying off. Each month I pay all my debts first, then some into unaccessible savings, and then use Monzo to segment my remaining wage into individual pots, I've found this really helpful in being able to see what my money is needed for (e.g. food, travel, etc.) and not having all my money in one big pot which can create the illusion that there is a margin of spare money available.
For the first two and a half months I was keeping a regular diary on here, which again starts to embed awareness of the issue and keeps away the dangerous complacency space. The chat rooms on here are great at 8pm - i'd recommend joining whenever you can. I login to GamCare every morning and read the forum posts - it keeps it real in the mind, again not shying away into complacency.
I also do my best to not leave space for gambling, whether this is working on developing myself and working through my flaws, taking up new hobbies or revisiting old ones (e.g. exercise, reading, listening to music, completing online courses). Spending time with family and friends, and connecting - so important. Minimise the time you have available to gambling, and identify some easy go to activities to distract you when you're vulnerable to your triggers (e.g. is it to escape something or reward something).
It took me 3 and half months to go to a GA meeting, which I eventually did with the help of a friend who is also a compulsive gambler. I'm not sure yet whether I will go onto complete the 12 steps, but one thing I know for sure right now is that I hadn't been slapped so hard into self awareness and the true impact gambling has had over me and the effects on others until I sat in that room. I would recommend going to one and see if it's for you.
We can beat this, and you have made such a great and important first step. Don't let the complacency find you again.
Hi Kalel
How are you getting on ?
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