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Hi Daniel,

This is pretty common Im afraid, compulsive gambler goes a period of time without gambling then gets some money and before long its in the bookies coffers. Worse still this will continue to happen to you (and me) as its in our nature unless we make recovery a part of our lives.

GA I found was the best for this, a weekly meeting where you can speak freely without shame or guilt and a place to listen to others in the same boat. You will have GA litrature to read and educate yourself on the seriousness of this addiction as well as the 12 step program to help you overcome it.

If you are honest and open it will help you change, its not easy as we have hurt so many people along the way and told so many lies, but it is worth it in the long run. All the best

Hi Daniel

You are in the right place to start a proper recovery.

Gambling is firly linked to stress depression and an ill relationship with money. Money took on an almost surreal meaning to me and Ive mostly struggled to earn it.

Your mental health takes priority and the fog of fear and confusion will lift when you experience a born again moment. We do recommend that you tell people close because a secret like this just eats you up

However this also means monitoring and no room for any complacency.

Gambling creates addicts and its actually a mugs game...a losers game... an addicts game. I would like to see slot machines banned just for a start.

I know its a difficult situation but you can only pay back loans at a rate you can afford and your relationship with your family is the important thing here.

Its not stupidy and is classed as an addiction or illness. What makes a crazy sense when gambling is actually irrational behaviour but our minds get taken over to put it simply.

The gambling must stop now and you will learn what you are dealing with. You must be monitored and fully blocked while your mind heals

Please read the forum and get further involved. It will give you the strength to see the right path

Best wishes from everyone on the forum

Hi,

I’m a bit worried about the consequences as I know I need to start taking responsibility for my actions. I’ve stopped gambling since yesterday but will NatWest have anything to say as it may look like fraudulent activity? I mean do I come clean to the bank? I didn’t lie when I said I was going to use the personal loan for something else but unfortunately I’ve suffered a relapse and my addiction took over. I’m just worried as I don’t want NatWest to close my account and I should have no problems in paying the money back over the next 23 months. Do I sit back and wait?

I went onto GamStop earlier and I’ve told my mother. There was a lot of tears but I was honest and I’m offering to hand my card over. I don’t think our relationship will be the same and I understand as she has helped me out in the past. The trust will never be the same 🙁

I’m going to look into the help on offer as I do feel very withdrawn. I’ve been thinking about suicide too 🙁 It’s like I just don’t value money anymore. I feel disgusted with myself.

Good to hear you came clean Dan, get everything out in the open, dont leave anything hidden as it may come back to haunt you. Get to your nearest GA meetsing and seek advice regarding the bank, most CGs will have been through similar stuff. I know you feel disgusted adn shame etc but these emotions will pass once you commit to recovery. Your Mum will struggle initially as its very hard for people to understand, thats why GamAnon was set up, that may help her.

The best thing to help loved ones is seeing us on the road to recovery, as gamblers we want and instant fix but the good things in life take time. My partner like all others was in shock at the start, especially as she has to control finances etc but becasue I am committted to my recovery she can see the changes in my personality, mood etc that has come about. It takes time but if you work at it it will improve. Speaking to fellow Compulsive gamblers each week is a huge help.