day 1

Dear @jordi748,

I'm sorry to hear you're struggling and that you feel like you've hit rock bottom. Please remember you're not alone in this, you will receive help, support and guidance from our forum community so please do keep reaching out and posting. 

I'm concerned to hear about the change to your mental health and would encourage you to make an urgent appointment with your GP or ring the NHS 111 number for medical advice.

Overcoming problem gambling is a challenge, we understand it can make people act in ways/do things that they wouldn't have done before the problem gambling took over. Please remember the great strength you're showing in admitting you have a problem, asking for help and then accepting it.

It may help to speak to The Citizens Advice for practical advice on any debt or financial matters, they can also sign post to other places should you need them to such as local food banks, housing help and legal advice.

There are coping strategies that can be put in place such as self exclusion which can really help you in your journey to becoming gamble free. We'd always encourage you to open up to any support network that you may have around you, if you feel able and safe to do so.

If you feel you would benefit from more support with any alcohol related problems, please mention this to your GP so they can talk through the options available for you to seek help with this. You can also contact https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

They will have meetings in or near your local area too if you felt attending one would help, I'm unsure from your post if you do need support with this so please accept my apologies if this isn't the case.

It's good to know that you're due to start counselling sessions along with CBT, if you would like further support from us, please call our helpline number on 0808 8020 133 or access our netline via our website so we can discuss things further.

I wish you all the best with your upcoming sessions, please be kind to yourself and remember that you're not alone.

Kindest Regards 

Joanne

Forum Admin

Hi Peter  

sad time hear about the pain your feeling. I definatly understand 

roulette is my evil too- when you get a win it feels great but then the bets get bigger and the losses increase. 
?

don’t be ashamed of it, nobody is perfect. I’ve got myself into an awful situation too- I’ve now signed up to Gamstop and put restrictions on it so no matter how much I want too- I Can’t. 
counselling is good- shows you know you need help 

everybody needs help at some point

sending hugs to you 

thank u for your kind words . feel like i was sucked in when i was low . never helped myself when watching affilated gamblers on youtube and thinking that win happens to everyone.. i had a bet on roulette today  and you guessed it feeling s**t again. Have blocks in place on my other devices so today will block laptop.. just going over the losses in my head going to try read a book later stop me obsessing about gambling in general.. peter 

Hello mate,

Get the correct blocks in place. Join Gamstop. Give them all of your details and ask to be blocked for 5 years. Make sure you're accurate and this will block all of your existing online accounts and prevent you from adding new ones. It's free and so easy to do. 

You literally need to make it impossible for you to place a bet. I had to ban myself from all local bookies as well as online. I handed over my access to money. 

Lastly I would say be honest with your family/friends about your current situation. It's hard, but takes so much weight off your shoulders by doing so. The first few weeks will be difficult, but you'll get used to it and eventually you will see money building again. You'll find yourself spending that money on things that matters. Each day you do that you are winning.

Wish you all the best with your recovery.

Dave.