Don't think I'll make it to 30

Morning,

It sounds like you may have to throw the kitchen sink and more in beating (the monkey) this addiction. Let's get back to basic:

When you get your next Universal Credit, make sure you're on top of your bills such as rent, council tax, water, electric, phone etc. Whatever you have remaining, that are for food for the week or monthly, travel, etc. By doing this, it gives back some control to you rather than the gambling self. 

If you feel like more help, go to your nearest GA meeting, one to one session, and try to find out what triggers you to gamble? Is it boredom, escapism, bad life experience, unfairness etc The list can go on. 

Just remember this when you're gambling: The only way to win at gambling is to walk away and realise that betting a billion pounds industry, your chance is so slim. Your history has had shown you this, so what's going to change when you have your next bet. This is what I called: "living on La La land," The best thing that you can do is to stop and think what are you doing. Your thought process triggers your feelings. For example, if you go for a walk in a park on a cold morning, and feeling cold and starved - you will not be thinking of betting i assure you. 

Finding replacement for your gambling such as exercise, reading, doing up the house, gardening, join a walking group, write a novel, painting, drawing, volunteering, cycling, interests or hobbies that interest you. Anything that doesn't hurt you financially, emotionally and spiritually. This gives you the power back, in control again.

I hope this helps.

Xoi

Ps a thousand mile begins with one step 

Morning Soysauce147,

Thanks for posting today and sharing all of this , it can really help people on here. 

It's good that you have a plan around when you receive universal credit and making sure you're on top of your bills and rent and that you have a great understanding of triggers and recovery techniques as well as strategies to use to try and prevent gambling. 

It's great to see such a positive and helpful post and I hope that your recovery is going well. 

Please feel free to contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Netline to explore the additional support available to you. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you would like to talk to one of the GamCare HelpLine advisers.

Take care 

Kirk 

Forum Admin 

Please re read this support and advice 1punchjamoo as i said on your new post lots pf valuable advice here.