Near the end of last year I came clean to my family that I had a gambling problem. I was an unemployed student at the time and was blowing every penny I had on betting. I would bet on anything even sports I didn't understand. I took money of family members without them knowing and lost it as well. So I told them all and decided with their help I would stop. All was going good until this week. I have my brother paid back and 1/2 of what I owe my parents paid back. But with the hype around Cheltenham being so big this week I found myself slipping back into this terrible habit. I estimate I've lost around €500 this week and spent money that my sister leant me for a night out tomorrow. She is just after realising what I have done with the money and has helped me realise I need help. I didn't sign up here last time as I believed I could do this by myself but this time I realise I cant
Hi I am guessing your Irish like myself, join a GA group local to you they are on the net GAdotie. You can look at this two ways a lucky escape and enjoy the rest of your life or doubt what you already know and spend the rest of your life having blowouts. It's not easy as its a sneaky addiction as soon as you are back on your two feet its whispering in your ear and like you this week is too much. But you can sort yourself out and start again. Good luck Michael
Hi Michael thanks for your reply. I am from Ireland and have found 2 different GA meeting that are near me and will be attending in the next few weeks. I posted on a separate forum that I am involved on and was pointed in the direction of here but what surprised me more was the number of people on their that wanted to help me (is a sports forum)
I didn't expect that at all and it helped me realise that not on my own to beat this their is good people out their that want to help. I'm determined to beat it this time, I'm only 23 and have my whole life in front of me and don't want this horrible feeling to be part of my future it has already been part of me for 7/8 years
Hi Ringerbell,
Thank you for your post and welcome to our Forum.
I can hear how much you have been struggling with your gambling. Well done for posting in our Forum and making a courageous step in admitting you have a problem. It is important for your recovery to take one day at a time. It sounds like you also have a supportive and understanding family, despite saying you have taken from them, which is positive - they are also your support, I would encourage you to speak to them about your struggle with gambling as well. You are not alone this time Ringerbell, we are here to support you, other Forum users who have similar experiences to yourself, and your family too.
I can indeed hear the determination you speak of. Continue to remain positive, keep in mind what you would like to achieve for your future and keep persevering.
Please feel free to get in touch with us. We offer support and advice through our Netline and Helpline from 8am until Midnight, 7 days a week. Perhaps you may want to speak with us to discuss some strategies you can put in place to help you to stop gambling, and in times where you are experiencing difficulty too.
Best wishes,
Saffron.
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