Gambling has ruined my life

Hi - there's loads of support and advice on here but you've probably hit the nail on the head yourself. It is definitely a long road ahead - but ultimately a rewarding journey if you really want it. Finances can be repaired and relationships can be repaired but it can't be done overnight. That's not pessimism but realism. It's hard to explain it others. I could rarely give a satisfactory answer to "why?". There is often no logic to it but do all you can to stop and show that you are willing to learn by your mistakes.

You can contact Gamcare for advice and they can offer free counselling. Read through some of the other posts on here. Gambling hasn't truly ruined your life - yet - but please do all you can to make sure it doesn't happen.

Hi, from the other side of the fence,

Well done on coming clean to your family, it's not easy and if you can do that then you're off to a good start. There's a lot of advice about barriers and the triangle on this site. As for GA, there are weekly meetings pretty much every night in different locations, you should be able to find one without difficulty.

Stick with it,

CW

You've done the right thing and are now on the road to recovery.

It's not an easy road and there will be some lows but many more highs if you stick with it.

You now need to get as much support as possible. Many of us have turned to family and there is no shame in that at all.

Good luck and keep us updated on your progress, many people here to also give you support and solid advice.

Hi everyone,

Its coming up to a year since I posted on this site when I pretty much thought my life was over. I had kept my gambling secret from my wife and family and I had got into such a mess that I was facing up to losing the people I love so dearly.

Well a year on and I am pleased to say that firstly I have abstained from gabling for a whole year. I am very proud of that achievment as we all know it is quite easy to fall back into that trap once the dust has settled but I have worked hard to ensure my gambling remains in the past. Secondly, the future looks so much brighter than it did a year ago. I have had tremendous support from my wife and parents both practically and emotionally and I cannot thank them enough, especially my wife who had every right to wash her hands of me.

Its not been easy at times and I know that I still have a long way to go in both my gambling recovery and becoming a better person. But I am now looking forward to a lovely holiday with my wife and three children this coming Friday, something I thought was a million years a way this time last year!

I just wanted to share this for anyone who is struggling, that things WILL get better as long as we don't gamble. I couldn't see that last year but now it is as clear as day. Attending GA weekly and reading the forums has certainly helped this last year so I advise anyone who is struggling to get as much help as they can. Then you can see for yourself just how much better things can get.

Thanks

All great advice above. I once was 11 months betfree...and took me 8 months paying off all my debts..but i can honestly say it was best 11 months of my life. I was not under a spell...not controlled by gambling and not depressed or greatly stressed. I could smile again. Im only 8 days clear at moment.....long may i last and all you other guys!

That's fantastic news and will give a boost to those here who are just starting out or are a little way in.

Look forward to seeing you post you're still gamble free on your second anniversary.

That's a fantastic post to read well done to you.