I've been battling this addiction for a few years now. I've had fairly lengthy spells of being gamble-free, but it's all come to a head.
I've used wasted money that was gifted to me and I just feel worthless and ashamed.
The only silver lining is that I've not let this problem get me into loads of debt. I have a credit card with about £1,500 on it. It could be worse, but it's still bad. It's not about the money really, but I don't know how to replace that "rush" that comes with gambling.
I know it's a self control issue, but our society does not make it any easier. Just typing into a search engine "gambling addiction" and there are dozens of ads and sponsored links for gambling websites.
Today is Day 0. Tomorrow is Day 1 of being free from gambling; I hope.
i really cant give you any constructive advice hun as i am also back to day 0. have a read though other peoples posts and take heart that you are not alone, read the success stories proving it can be done, and understand thst your not worthless. your consumed with guilt which makes u feel bad, which makes u gamble and its a vicious circle. we need to forgive ourselves for our past and look to the future. start tomorro with a clean slate. good luck x
Hi Scothed,
If you've got a balance on the credit card which you can't pay immediately, ask the company to bring the credit limit down to just above what the balance is. If you've not used the card and the credit limit is 1500 send it back and ask them to close the account. That will put temptation out of your way. Block all gambling sites with K9 and self exlude from High St gambling outlets. Speak with Gamcare about free counselling and or attend local GA meetings if you can. You've got to get as many barriers as you can in place to prevent future gambling. You could even put your financial affairs in the hands of a trusted relative.
You could take up strong exercise (se your doctor first to get the green light). Take up old hobbies that you've dropped and or see friends more often.
Don't try chasing losses as it's the quickets way to the poorhouse. Other people on here will tell you that as well as me.
Keep a diary on here and or join the 2015 Challenge (that's helping to do the job for me) and plenty of other people.
This all might seem a bit severe but with a bit of determination and support from fellow forumites you can quit gambling. It can and does happen, believe me.
Other people may offer you ideas on here as well.
Take Care Now.
Thanks guys. Finding it tough at the moment. I miss the buzz I would get from it.
Hi scothed
The unfortunate truth is that the "rush" that you get from gambling could end up ruining your life. At this stage, as you say, you are okay. No real debt to speak of. Get the help now before you do any major damage.
When I first attended GA, I thought I was an utter ###***##. And, I was!
After about 9 months or so of attending GA and being gamble free, I realised that I could look at myself in the mirror without that feeling of self-loathing. I actually liked myself.
I know how much I gambled away. I'm one of those few people that have to know what I lost.
The trick is that you have to let those losses go. You will never ever see that money again. Accept that as a fact and move on. Today is day one of the rest of your life.
Best wishes
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