Hi,
I started gambling many years ago, I don't even know how long ago however I gamble every day.
I've got myself previously and now my mam into debt by using her credit cards. She did a balance transfer and cleared them all and now in the space of a few weeks I'm used another one to it's limit of 4,500.
I don't know how I can keep doing this to her, it's like nothing else matters when I'm doing it. Despite never coming out on top I convince myself each time will be different, 'this time I'll win it all back and pay off all the credit cards'.
I'm not even living at the moment, my life revolves aroung gambling. I don't want to go out with my friends I'd rather be sat in on my phone ruining my life.
A few days ago something happend, I don't really know why but decided I don't want this anymore. I have to accept all the money has been spent, I can't get it back. All I can do it work hard to pay it off, admitt what I've done and deal with it. Since my last bet I've been able to sleep better, I feel better within myself and I feel like a load has been lifted off my shoulders.
I've been to the doctors yesterday and hopefuly wil start getting help soon. I just want to come out of this shadow I've been under, I feel so lonely.
Hi jd,
Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. You might feel lonely with all that's going on, but you're not alone. There's always someone here on the forum if you reach out like you've done, and everyone here can understand what you're going through.
What matters is what you're going to do about things now. It sounds like you've reached a point where you want to stop gambling altogether; so how far are you willing to go to achieve that? Your life will definitely be less stressful without gambling, and the more you accept that the money is gone, the more you can feel like moving away from placing bets. If you're gambling on your phone, like you say, have you looked into any blocking software? Have a look at this page for some of the ones we typically refer people to: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software#.VBwD8fldXww They might not work on every phone out there, and if that's the case with your's, you might have to consider doing like a lot of other gamblers and just using a basic phone. If you don't have access to gambling sites in your pocket, then you won't be able to do as much damage.
What about getting any group support through gamblers anonymous, or maybe getting some individual counselling? That could help you sort out better why you gamble like this, and help you with ways to manage your urges more effectively. We've got partner agencies in many parts of the country that provide that at no cost, and it might really help you and give you some needed support.
Feel free to get in touch with us using the Helpline or Netline links at the top of the page, and we'd be happy to speak to you more about any of this. Remember that as long as you have the determination to quit, you can succeed; you'll just have to take a few steps to get there.
Hope this helps,
Travis
Hello JD,
I was the same i became a recluse because i'd rather be on my laptop gambling. Once I'd admitted i has a problem it was such a relief because i knew I had to get help and Gamcare made me realise i didn't need combat this addiction alone.
Gambling addiction is lonely at times because it's an addiction people can't physically see. There's plenty of help and people in similar situations on Gamcare.to what you're going through. Join in one of the chats one of the evenings!
All the best
Conradnose
www.conradnose.com
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