Hi guys,
I am 28 years old and have been gambling heavily for around 10 years on a mix of fixed odds machines, sports coupons and online casinos. I estimate my losses over 10 years to be in the region of £60k... Gads!!! I didn't even really think I had an addiction until a couple of years ago because I managed to convince myself that everyone did it!!! After another big loss on payday today I have decided to quit for once and for all!!! I have given up for a number of months before, and find that 'not gambling' becomes the addiction after a while. I just need to get back to that place without slipping away again. I have known about this site for years but never used it, but I am going to post each day I can go gamble free, and urge any of you to join me and we can give up together. Good luck everyone!!!
Hi Davc19t,
Welcome to the forum, and well done for sharing your story with us.
10 years of gambling, and losses up to £60k seemed to have brought you out of your denial, and has made you realise how much you actually wanted to stop gambling. Also, you’ve stopped for a couple of months before, so you can repeat that process, and even go further with the help and support that you’d be getting from Gamcare.
Maybe you’d like to read about our recommended blocking software, which will stop you from accessing gambling sites. The software are: Gamblock, Betfilter, Net Nanny and Gamban. I suggest that you read about all of them first, and install the one most suitable to your needs, ok?
I think it’s a good idea that you intend to post into the forum everyday you’re gamble free, and perhaps that would encourage you to do more. It’s not unusual that you’ll also get some support from fellow forum members too.
It’s advisable to keep yourself busy with activities or hobbies to distract you from gambling, and also to prevent you from being bored, as boredom is one of the contributory factors that make one gambles more or, even relapse when one is in recovery, and you by all means want to prevent that happening.
Meanwhile, try and be patient with yourself, and take it step by step, and continue to read the posts from the forum for encouragement and strength.
In case you feel counselling will help you in overcoming your gambling problem, I’ll suggest that you contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers about counselling referral.
My best wishes to you in your journey to recovery.
Kind regards,
Beatrice
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