First step in kicking the addiction

Hi Frankiewx,

Admitting it to yourself is so so important so well done for doing that and for taking the first step to freeing yourself from the grips of gambling. When you first realise you have a real problem it can seem very scary and worrying. You may see aspects of your entire future as more challenging now you know you have a problem. I use this to help curb my addiction. If I want a house, kids, a good job etc then I will need to do everything in my power to stop myself ever gambling again. I would strongly recommend signing up to GamStop the national gambling registry. It has prevented me from slipping up now on several occasions. The truth is we cannot do this alone, whatever we may think when we're not gambling, that other part of us will always resurface to ruin our progress. Having blocks in place and people to turn to will always help. I too have found it extremely difficult through lockdown but having people therr has helped in ways I couldn't have imagined just a year ago. I know it's incredibly scary sharing your addiction with people who love you because you want them to be proud of you, but they will be no matter what. When I first opened up to my parents and girlfriend about my addiction I honestly believed they would disown me. It is terrifying, and I by no means want to pressure you, but telling family or even a trusted friend is incredibly freeing. They will love and support you no matter what. Even if they dont understand at first there is support available for them to better understand what you're going through and how to help you. If you do decide to speak to your mum point her in the direction of the friends and family forum on here. In terms of the debt, I can promise you, you're not alone. I would recommend speaking to the credit card company if it is too much to cope with. Again, youd be amazed at how accepting credit companies are these days with problems associated with gambling. I racked up well over £30,000 debt gambling and every company agreed to put an affordable plan in place to help me recover. I wont say it's easy, but once done you will feel a whole lot better, like a weight lifted from your shoulders. Do not be ashamed of who you are, we arent bad people, we're all good, intelligent people. We just have slightly different wiring in our brains that makes us do stupid things. You made the right choice posting here, everyone will support you. If you need any help in how to approach your family if you decide to do so then let me know 🙂 

Thanks @rambo227 that’s some really good advice. I never though banks would be understanding and I know telling someone will help but I’m still getting my own head around it! I’ve got a good job, university degree and pretty well educated so being so stupid in my decisions leaves me bemused! Thank you for your response x

No problem at all Frankiewx, they really surprised me too, I bank with Barclays do they were able to put a gambling block on my account too. Every block is one more level of security so its worth investigating that too. Of course, take your time. When you're ready, speak with someone face to face. Until then we're always here, battling the same demons as you so know you're not alone. I'm in a very similar situation, I had a good education, good job and a very normal family. Because of gambling I found myself on the wrong side of the law. Just adding to my point that people are so understanding, I didn't receive a criminal penalty for theft and in fact there was no further police action so my record is clean. I am extremely lucky but it just goes to show how far we've come in having our voices heard that this isn't something we can help. It is a mental illness. I hope you feel somewhat better by hearing other stories and knowing you arent alone. If you want to read my first forum post it goes into more detail.

I, m a problem gambler as well and have just admitted it this week. I'm with monzo bank and have blocked gambling and have signed to GamStop and was OK for last 3 months but had a relapse two nights ago and lost £600. I then had to find money to pay my rent. I'm 17000 in debt and out of work. Just hope I'll get a job again.

So to cap it all I was confident that I was secured from gambling but I need help so have signed up

@williamdownhill how’s it going? 

I’m really struggling today! ?

Hi Frankiewx,

Hope your ok? I'm down to my last available £4.70 until a week Monday so dont have a potential problem until then. I have food so no problems. I have locked my small amount of savings  money with family members so its safe and I cant get it unless I provide an honest request with enough proof.

I'm still looking for work aswell but worried about being denied applications because of my credit rating which is very low.

Hi Frankiewx , 

Sorry to hear that you are struggling today . 

Please do contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Netline to talk about things and to explore the additional support available to you, you are never alone . We are always here 24 hours a day , 7 days a week. 

Take care 

Kirk 

Forum Admin 

I GOT THROUGH IT.....feels like a huge WIN and this time one where I’ve not lost hundreds of pounds!