Day 1 for the final time 25yr old

Thanks for your comments joy divider. Day 3 without a bet and feeling okay. Determined to get to the end of this week and then face family and friends at the weekend. Thank you for your support.

Hi James, I've just joined this site. I don't gamble on horses or in betting shops, my addiction is online. I literally can't stop myself. Today is the first day of not gambling at all. Any tips?

Hope your still doing well 🙂

First things first, block yourself from all gambling sites online, self excluse and download one of the blockers. Then try and focus on anything else, for me its watching rubbish tv on Iplayer or 4oD, something which stops me thinking about gambling... I find that before I know it time flies and its time to eat or go out or sleep, and I haven't thought about the Gambling at all. I would also recommened getting down to a GA meeting, its pretty imtimidating at first but no one judges you and everyone is the same. Its the only place where you will meet people in person who actually understand. all the best Hayley..

Hi James, as you posted on mine I thought it is only fair to post something on yours.... You are right. We both have very similar stories and both stopped same time.... We have both messed up, came clean once before, and now having to do it again. It is never easy.... Admitting your not perfect can be bloody tough!...I am certain that your family will just want what is best for you. Whether they have a rant and a rave at you, you might not like it but it is there way of saying they care... if they didnt care they would just laugh at you... Whatever reaction they give, they will be the rock that keeps your feet on the floor!

I wish you the very best and I know we can do this. We havent joined this forum for something to read!

For Hayley Jane

The blocking software is certainly your best option, self exclusion is worth doing but might not be enough for you.... obviously the problem with online is there are so many, especially if it is casino online type gambling, so if you want to gamble you create a new account.. blocking software and see if anyone you trust can be in control of your finances is your best option.

Always remember, the more you play, the more the odds are stacked against you.... You could be rainman and you will still lose !.... for instance roulette is a 36/1 chance of winning but they only pay 35/1.... I am sure everyone knows this but it is good to enforce it...Think about every time that ball lands in 0... all red all black all odd all even (i think even gives half stake back but not 100%), all 1st dozen, all 2nd dozen, all 3rd dozen, all top row all middle row, all bottom row... i may have missed some but all of them multiple section bets are all losers when the result is 0!

Hi james

Just wondering how you are doing as havent heard from you for a few days

Hi Jonny,

I'm okay thanks, how are you?

Day 8 today still no bet which is a relieve. A big moment last night when i came clean to my dad, quite an emotional heavy evening but I had the best nights sleep ive had in a long time last night, hopefully starting to get things under control. Saturdays never easy, but looking forward to watching the football later with my old man and with no financial interest.

How about you pal, sorry for not being in touch, hope things are going well? Hows the later half of the week been for you?

Hey James. So glad you came clean...as you have probably found out, honesty is the best policy. It will also be good to have a real person in your corner with you, as online is a great help but the physicallity of a person there helping is even better. That father son bond will get stronger too no doubt.

Hope you enjoyed the game... I am good friends with a villa fan so I am delighted about the result.... As you probably read on my own post, yesterday was easily the hardest day I have had. I got through it tho and it was a relief. We just have to keep it up now!

Had the most positive day of my recovery so far yesterday, came clean to the final person I needed to, and through the kind actions of others, managed to get my financial situation under some form of control. I am very fortunate and thankfull for that.

When I look back I can't quite comprehend how I had the time to spend 4-5hours in the bookies whilst still working and hiding it from everyone. This is the first time in my life where I haven't had any lies I have to hide. Thanks to everyone here who has helped so far, hopefully this strength and mood will continue. Day 10 - double figures.