Hi there.
Not sure where to start if I'm brutally honest with you. I feel like I've got a gambling problem to the point where I'm being left without money, stressed and depressed, so I felt like I should talk to someone.
I've had a gambling addiction now for about 3 and a half years (give or take), I primarily find myself gambling on football (accumulators, inplays etc), but have also found myself dabbling in other bits too (horses, roulettes etc), but its now getting to a point where I find myself using the last of my wages on bets, even if its means going without money for the remainder of the month and sometimes I'm having to come up with stupid excuses to borrow money off people so I can get my food shopping in. I have a little girl, who I love dearly, but my gambling leaves me with no money to do activities with her on weekends, selfish I know. Every single month I tell myself that Im going to tone it down, but I end up losing so much that I have to gamble to try and make back what I have lost.
I'm in quite a bit of debt, which hasnt been brought on through gambling, but the money I have spent on gambling could have very easily been spent on curing my debts and lessening my outgoings each month. I recently got a new job with good pay, I was living with my parents at the time of getting my new job, and instead of staying at my parents to help pay off my debt, I moved out to my own place (shared), meaning my outgoings are more, and I find myself spending what I have left on gambling.
Unfortunately I have that 'money won is sweeter than money earned' mentality.
I need it all to stop, but I've no idea where to start.
Congratulations - by posting on this site you have made a start on your recovery journey.
First thing is to contact Gamcare who can provided you with advice and counselling.
Second thing is have a good read of some of the forums which have fantastic advice and tips.
Thirdly - can you pass your cards etc onto someone else to look after so you have no access to cash. No cash = no gambling
In relation to debt issues I have a debt management plan with Stepchange who were really good and helpful.
Well done again for making your first post
Kind regards
Thank you. I have spoken to someone at Gamcare and some counseling has been arranged. No body knows of how bad my gambling addiction is and I dont feel comfortable with telling anyone about it to the point where I can just hand over my bank cards.
I am 11 weeks free from gambling and one of the points I have taken from the forums is to tell someone in order they can help you also - but that is a personal decision for you.
Take things slowly and one day at a time. Each hour, day etc you don't gamble will make you feel better inside.
Everyone on this site has been at the same stage you are
Good luck
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