First time trying

Hi, Really glad i have read your story as it is very similar to mine. I am 20 years of age and in huge debt because i cannot stay out of casino's or FOBT's. Last night I went to place a £10 football bet on the bristol city game and ended up walking out £260 down because i played the machines. Hopefully we can find a light at the end of this very dark tunnel and remember you are not alone. Hope this has helped.

Hi Lewis, thanks for the reply.

I tried to just play £10 but got stuck playing the £20 super spins and before i knew it i was chucking in £20 after £20 until there was none left. I remember when i was your age i took out a £3000 loan and i would say at least 75% of that went on gambling online. This is the first time i've said to myself "I will not gamble today" and I am determined to stick to it. One day at a time.

Hope you can also try this.

Its horrible isnt it, but it seems ot people who dont gamble that it is really easy to stop and it isnt.
Ive visited my GP and he gave me medication which hasnt helped and i just feel like i am running into a brick wall.

I have had to leave university this year as I was going the bookies before lectures and if i lost, i wouldnt turn up. My head isnt in the best place to study right now so that is why i have left, gutted.

Hi,

Seek counselling via this site or go to GA.

Self exclude from High Street bookmakers. Get block on online via K9 free (get some else to set the password). Or pay for Gamblock or Betfilter. Do it quick.

Others will post advice.

Hi MrStop

Thanks for the reply. I can't have that installed on my work pc which is where 90% of my gambling happens. I couldn't risk my work finding this out. Day 1 is over and I'm feeling good. I'm trying to take just one day at a time.

Hi everyone. Still haven't gambled since Thursday and feeling much better but still getting the urge to get back to it 🙁 hope I can stay away tomorrow.

day 6 without gambling, seems strange like something missing .But I will remain strong and fight the urge, getting great support and understanding from my girlfriend.

Hi,

firstly welcome, I am a new member myself but i have attempted to stop before and I am finally getting the support I need (one of which is gamcare and it's amazing). Far be it from me to give advice as I haven't been very successful in the past but I always keep it from the people that care about me and when they find out it hurts them more so opening up is the best way. Also, although I always think if I tell my girlfriend or family, they will disown me this is never the case and you can't underestimate the power of forgiveness and the support it may give you. This is just my personal opinion and of course you know the people close to you more than anyone but a problem shared is a problem halved. At first I always need a bit of assistance to stop as it is so difficult to stop something that has become second nature but after a while it isn't quite so hard. I have given up for a year at the longest but it is always one moment of weakness that sends me straight back into the gambling spiral.

the first thing is recognising the problem which you have done so that is a huge step to the road to recovery. Believe in yor own strength of character and don't let the devil on your shoulder back in. We are all here to help each other so I look forward to hearing more about your journey.

Hi thecat90, congratulations on finding your way here 🙂

Breaking the Time-Money-Location triangle is what you need to figure out how to do @ the moment! I know you said you can't install a blocker but surely you can self exclude? Also, I'm guessing you know the numbers of your cards by heart, so how about getting new ones & not taking them to work?

There is someone on this site, not many gamble free days ahead of you that has just experienced a very long wait to find out if they still have a job after being busted gambling in work time!

& as for the FOBTs, there's nothing super (in the true sense of the word) about the spins you talk of 🙁 I know, I'm a veteran of that particular war!

You are right to take things One Day At A Time but be mindful that on occasion, this may need to be done minutes or even seconds @ a time! You can stay away tomorrow, because when it arrives, it will just be another today & you can handle todays (I hope that makes as much sense to you as it does in my head)!

Be strong & keep beating these demons - ODAAT

Excellent post ODAAT. Full of common sense. Words born of experience.

Thank you everyone for all your nice words, they are really comforting me.

I am keeping the demons at bay much easier today than i have done in the past. I will keep you all updated with my progress.

day 7 still going strong, mind you its looking at debts incurred whilst gaming that has helped keep focused. Loans, credit cards o*g it mounts up!! But I have saved at least 2k by not gaming so some great news

Day 7 - well done! Keep it up, treat yourself to something (even if its a large cream bun!) and tell yourself how great you are.

Its not an easy road by any means but you are one week down it and doing grand.

Go you!!!!!!!

Thanks micheele67 , first to comment.Day 8 now time flies when having fun lol , do treat self to chocolate each day as a reward