Finally had enough

Hi

Welcome to the site and really pleased you have found your way here. We have all at sometime experienced these feelings so just know you are not alone. With time things can get better but for now just take each hour and day as it comds and seek support and advice from fellow people on here.

Bex x

Thankyou Bex x

Hi idiotsometimes,

Good that you've arrived here. Please read this stuff, it could help.

Contact gamcare for access to free counsellng and or attend your local GA meetings.

Should you be suffering from severe depression because of your situation then discuss this with your doctor.

Block online gambling sites by downloading K9 and have someone else set the P/word. They must keep it secret from you. If you cannot get someone to set it then make a nonsense one up and copy and paste it. Something like xx11pjjjn"!yn33$$ so it's impossible to remember if you view it.

You can also buy Gam-block or Betfilter to block sites if you wish.

If you cannot block a particular electronic device then sell, give it away or dump it and obtain an "old fashioned" type.

Self exclusion from casinos/High St bookmakers is advisable if you have been using them.

Put your finances in the hands of a trusted family member. This is so that you can only have a limited amount of money available to you to enable you to get through on a daily basis.

You should advise close members of your family about your problem and the fallout from it (debts)etc. Their emotional support could prove essential during your recovery. If you cannot tell your family you can go it alone. I have HAD TO DO THAT but I wouldn't recommend it for most people. I use the this site a lot and The 2015 Challenge is helping me tremendously (great work by Phil on that). Starting a Forum diary helps a lot of people.

If being a CG has really upset the applecart with your family they can contact GAM-ANON for advice. Their is a family and friends section on the FORUM.

If your financial state is disastrous then make sure that you keep a roof over your head. This is your priority. Make sure that payment arrangements are made for necessities (gas, electric, food, transport, childrens stuff etc). Unsecured creditors (cards etc are not a main priority). You may even have to offer them say £1 per month each and get the interest frozen. You do not have to tell them you have a gambling problem if you don't want, only that you are over committed. I WOULD STRONGLY SUGGEST THAT PEOPLE IN FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY SHOULD CONSULT A NON FEE CHARGING DEBT MANAGEMENT COMPANY FOR ADVICE ABOUT CREDITORS AND THE WAY FORWARD FINANCIALLY. I would suggest Stepchange/payplan/national debtline may offer advice.
I've found that keeping myself busy has been instrmental in keeping my mind from the devil's clutches. I find gym work helps me no end. i get myself so knackered that gambling is the last thing on my mind. Walking is great as well so is swimming. You can take up old or start new hobbies. There is a thread on the Forum devoted to keeping busy.

The CG must through up as many barriers in the way of gambling prevention nowadays. It is more vital than ever this is done. The betting companies are forever devising more fiendish advertising campaigns. Temptation is everywhere (TV/Emails/Texts so on and so forth).

Take Care Now.