I’m James and I’ve been struggling with a gambling addiction for the past 12 years.
In the past couple of weeks things have got worse than they ever have, I spent £1,000’s sat in front of terminals for hours and putting long odds bets on trying to win some money back. I’ve decided that enough is enough and I simply cannot continue like this.Â
I’m so annoyed at myself the amount of money I’ve wasted but more importantly, the time I’ve wasted that could have been spent doing other things. I have a wonderful partner and my addiction is starting to affect our relationship. She knows I have a problem and we have spoken about it.Â
I had a conversation with GamCare and was referred to referred to a professional some for 121 sessions. I had my first call the other day to go through some details and provide background regarding my gambling habits ect.Â
For the last 12 years my weekends have consisted of gambling and it sounds really strange but I don’t know anything other than gambling. My hobbies are limited and I just don’t know what interests me, it sounds so odd.
I have now implemented some restrictions which hopefully should stop me gambling going forward, as well as this I’m hoping my 121s and self will power will help me.
If anyone has any suggestions on hobbies or ideas I can do on a weekend that helped them during their recovery then I’m all ears. Also, any suggestions on things that helped in general.
Thanks
J
I understand.i am trying to stop and find new hobbies.i really only seriously gambling when I moved to a seaside town.its full of arcades.i won't gamble online as online is rigged.
I never gambled in fruit machines when I lived out in the sticks.i walked daily and drove to nature spots.now I have a hard physical job.so out of ent for walks. perhaps I will restart the visits to nature reserves.bird watching. castles.statley homes and gardens..it's harder when it rains in winter.i guess my next plan is cinema.dvds and going out for nice meals with wife .things we haven't done in yrs. love making is also been neglected as sometimes I'm thinking about my wins and losses and my next fix.we stopped alcohol around the same time I started gambling heavy.
told wife we will buy a second hand Xbox and play flight simulator or racing games.she likes that idea.tbh I'm not a yoga or cookery or such .to me that is what other folk do.the middle class.im working class and grown up that way all my life.i gave up drinking.a working class thing.i was into weight lifting for yrs.its amazing.but it's a younger man's hobby.tbh sleep is my hobby and when I'm not sleepy I'm going at arcades cos it involves little effort.
time to do things I used to do before gambling.but not outrageous ones like wine tasting or cookery or yoga.thats for folk that only exist is.n TV shows.real life involves normal hobbies.
My first thoughts on stopping were distractions, hobbies i would have tried anything. Whatever works for you is the way to go, but down the line don`t discount just relaxing, lazing and catching up on the rest you`ve more than likely missed. What i am trying to say is long term it needs a mindset and lifestyle reset, but the initial distraction thought is a good first step.
Good Luck.
sleep.yes.sleep.rest and just resting sounds good
Hi James, kudos to you for taking the brave step towards recovery. It's a journey, and finding new hobbies and interests is a great way to redirect your energy. Consider trying outdoor activities like hiking or biking, exploring art, or joining community groups. Support from GamCare and loved ones is crucial. Stay strong!
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