Hi my name is Mike and hear to tell my story . I've been blessed with a great business where I can earn alot of money. This past week I've turned over ВЈ5034 yet the curse of the addiction I've had for years has finally rung true . The curse of these voices in my head telling me I can win and I earn good money so the odd ВЈ50 won't hurt yet it always turns to more like £1000 after trying to chase my losses .
I am trying my best to fight this but after my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer 4 weeks ago I promised myself I would stop and finding the money to help and pay for his funeral is hard when in reality it should be easy .
I feel like I have no control and am letting everyone down who love me and although I've spoke to my missis of 8 years she has been nothing but supportive and there for me yet I think I still need more help .
Hi Mike . Welcome to the forum . In all honesty when you gamble it’s all Monopoly money . Some people can do more financial damage than others but the inner feelings , angst , worry and stress is universal . You mentioned your partner does she know ?its cliche but a problem shared is a problem halved . This site has been a god send for me . I couldn’t see a way to stop until one day I had that eureka moment and said enough is enough . Hopefully that is the same for you . Sorry to hear about your family circumstances . We use gambling also as an escape and emotional crutch . There are some basic steps if you really want to stop this . Admit to yourself and others around you that you have a problem. That’s probably the biggest step . Accept that the money is gone and you can’t win it back . Hand control of your money over to your partner and don’t lie about anything from today . Self exclude yourself from where you gambled and where you didn’t gamble . Perhaps seek counselling or attend your local ga meeting . All that is preventative . Now you then have to work on your mindset and take stock of this . What does gambling give you ? What can you do to fill the void without it ? It’s a bit scary that one but you can soon find something less destructive. You have the ability to earn good sums of money and your financial position will recover very quickly when not haemorrhaging money . Perhaps start a diary on here . I found that very useful and I leaned on the support on others here who understood me
Hi Bryan.
Many thanks for your reply . Yes the missis knows and has tried to help me best way she can . I have self excluded myself from all places but still find myself being able to walk in and bet which is a little bit annoying . Your right with the view to escaping as this is the main reason I do it . I can be so strong one min then the next find myself talking myself into it thinking I'm in control but truth is I never am .
The sad thing is if I didn't gamble I could of had enough to buy a house outright and that really does rip me apart .
I think the truth is winning makes me feel like I've outsmarted the machines yet we both know there is only ever one winner .
I'm a mobile emission specialist so am out on my own all day working which is also something I need to work out how to sort my own head out .
Hi Mike just a quick message to see how you are getting on ? I hope that you are winning the battle, let me know how you are doing . I’m conscious that very early into this , if you don’t post it could harm your progress .
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