I spent my birthday chasing at the casino a few days back to win some money to get by. Having the extra pressure to pay for road tax, car insurance, car service and MOT by the end of May, I felt it was a quick way of getting some funds. What I do is always convince myself that I would leave The casino if I spent X..... in reality that never happens. Somehow X amount always becomes more. In 12 hours sitting at the tables chasing, I managed to lose over £4000. The extreme I went to borrow from payday loan companies to friends and family whilst being at the casino makes me feel sick. The lies and stories I made up to borrow money to chase the loses has left me feeling absolutely s**t about myself. Needless to say, I didn’t make it out to celebrate my birthday with friends and family who made the affect to do something nice for me. I made up some excuse and stay back to chase. I am utterly ashamed. The debts is mounting up so high and I’m struggle to sleep at night worrying! My mind is working overtime and I just want to end it all. My father has helped me years back to clear of £30K worth of debts and now I’m back to owing creditors just as much. I honestly don’t know what to do? I am so tired but my mind won’t let me rest. I can’t believe I’m in this big mess. Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Has anyone got to a group meeting and if so, does it actually help? It’s feels like a dirty secret that mustn’t be shared!
I am 40 now and looking back it seems ive always had a problem with gambling since my teens. I guess its just in some peoples nature, so obviously it seems how can one stop when its a big part of peoples live? I was an alcoholic for many years also, nearly cost me my family and it was only because i ended up in hospital that reality hit home and i put a stop to it, that was back in 2011. Yes gambling is like a dirty secret, i could never tell any of my family as i am too ashamed, hence why i am here talking to strangers as it seems to give some help knowing i am not alone and to speak and hear from people in the same boat. Just been here seems to have given me some confidence that i can beat this, its only been 12 hours since i made the choice, but no gambling today so far which is a first and the way i tend to keep it, thinking positive, think you can do this, dont think i dont want to or the "just one more time" wont hurt, no no no.
Isn’t it crazy that the trouble we get ourselves into isn’t enough to stop the chase?! It’s mind blowing how our lives is consumed with gambling. We need to take it one day at a time @ Puggy.
You can stop 3CP when you say no more and back it up with blocks help and support.
Youve seen what it does and its not really an income scheme when the bills are due..
Ive been a credit controller and Ive been heavily in debt. Worrying over debt is just misery and you cant continue like that. Gambling makes people bankrupt faster than anything but there is a point where bankruptcy is preferable to severe mental health issues.
You cant go on trapped in a cycle of borrowing worry and gambling.
When you are ready to stop its a born again moment. Are you ready? Phone gamcare...get yourself to a GA meeting and talk to people. If you can tell people close that you have a problem. There is no shame in that.
So yes it can be stopped when you are ready to face this on a fundamental level. Its difficult to stop if you are not ready on a fundamental level. Some people play at stopping without realising what is needed to deal with a deep and powerful addiction
Best wishes from everyone on the forum
Hi,
100% agree with Joydivider above.
It does take a lot of committment, hard work and effort. I last gambled over 3 years ago and i still work at it everyday. A small price to pay to stop the lies and deceit that my life was becoming.
Best wishes
It stops the instant you want it enough to get solid blocks into place and go on to explore and address whatever it is that's driving the compulsion. Meetings will keep you grounded and focused when the pain of where you are now recedes as it will with distance from your last bet.
Hello 3CP
Welcome to the forum. You sound very low at this time and we are concerned for your wellbeing. It may help you to speak with your GP about how you are feeling. There is also the Samaritans you can talk to at any time. https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us
Here is advice and information that can help with managing your finances and getting out of debt.
http://ww.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/finance-and-debt-management#.VBwEDvldXww
We have a Helpline open 8am -midnight where you can speak with an adviser on 0808 8020 133 and there is also our Netline. http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline
You are very welcome to call and talk through your situation with an adviser who will listen to your concerns and will be able to offer information, support and advice.
You have asked about group support in your post. There is group support you can go to with Gamblers Anonymous they have meetings across the UK https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
There is also Online group treatment support with Gamcare and there are no financial costs.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-treatment/online-treatment
Keep posting we are here to support you.
Kind Regards
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