Hi all hope everyone is ok today, my story like many others is that non stop cycle get paid gamble lose borrow money gamble lose get a loan to pay people back but gamble and lose it before I pay them back! This has been my life for over 30 years apart from about 2 years where I attended GA meetings around 7 years ago but stopped because I stupidly thought I had beat the addiction but you never beat it or control it gambling controls me. I am at the point in my life that I know I face my biggest battle to become Gamble free and I know its going to be a long road but I am just taking it one day at a time. For me I am only day 4 of being gamble free but I'm proud as each day is an achievement but past experience has taught me day 4 wee6 4 year 4 means nothing it's so easy to be tucked back into the world of gambling but I'm determined to stay strong and take it day by day. I am knew to this group so wanted some advice on how others on this group beat that urge to gamble when it gets into your head and it's all you can think about? Also I have not told my wife or children that I gambled and lost the money for the bills yet or I have signed up to gamstop and gamcare to get help with my gambling addiction I don't know how to start the conversation I think right I am going to tell them now then the words don't come out any advice on this would be greatly appreciated. Sorry if I babbled on a bit just not used to sharing how I feel to often.
You’ve reached out. You need support. Please call the gamcare line or reach out to someone. Beating this alone is hard. I am beating this alone, but my secret is out there. My family know and regularly check in on me by phone. That reassurance helps no end and gives you accountability to someone. Keeping this secret alone is tough. Read the advice in here. Block every chance of gambling.
It’s a long road ahead, but 30 years is a long habit to break.
If I get an urge I read my first few pages of my diary, or someone else’s. This addition puts people in some dark places and reading them reminds me of why I’m here. I’ve been to those places and never want to go back. Try to recognise when you get urges. I used to gamble at night, so I changed my night routine. Pre empt the triggers and put other things in place.
Good luck mate. Try and keep posting, it does help.
Stay strong 💪
We are available 24 hours a day, every day of the year. You can also contact us for free on 0808 80 20 133. If you would like to find out more about the service before you start, including information on confidentiality, please click below. Call recordings and chat transcripts are saved for 28 days for quality assurance.
