Today I realised I have a problem after spending £700 on the train journey home (online slots). I've tried to stop myself before and have gone so far before stumbling, and am currently about £17k in debt. This is my last resort as I don't usually like speaking about my problems to anybody, not even my partner. I know most of this will sound generic etc, but I really do want to get through this. I estimate it will take me five years to get out of my debt, and I fully realise how long that is and know that it will be a hard path to tread.
I wanted to ask for the best ways that people have found to get over their addiction. I have joined a gym to feel better about myself, and have set myself weekly and monthly goals to aim for.
Oh yes, hello to you all too. Hope everybody is well 🙂
Hi stuckinarut
You have realised you have a problem, thats the first hurdle. Ring GAMCARE and get free professional advice they will guide you through the process of dealing with your gambling.
Its amazing how similar the stories are on this forum, your not alone.
Be honest with your partner and the debt thing will be sorted I can assure you keeping things secret are a route to more serious problems including your health.
Good luck
Hello stuckinarut and welcome to the forum.
You sound determined to stop gambling and have taken some positive steps for yourself with joining a gym and setting some weekly and monthly goals. There are other practical steps you can take with online gambling you can self-exclude form sites by calling or emailing the gambling site. There is also software you can use to block gambling sites from coming onto your mobile phone /tablet/laptop. Please see here for details on self exclusion and blockoing software
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/self-exclusion#.VBwD4_ldXww
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software#.VBwD8fldXww
Starting to manage your finances may feel daunting there is further information here with information of agencies where you can if you want to get free independent advice on managing your debt the best way for you.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/finance-and-debt-management#.VBwEDvldXww
It may also help you to talk to one of the GamCare advisors on our helpline they will listen to your concerns and can give you information and advice to support you in stopping gambling. The helpline is a Freephone number 0808 8020 133 and the helpline is open 8am –midnight. Helpline advisors can also be contacted through net line.
http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline
Keep posting we are here to support you.
Take Care
Forum admin
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
