Hi,
My names Tony and i am a long time compulsive gambler. I have had spells with the help of counselling off of gambling only to after a shortish spell of time to return to it. I gamble on horses, dogs, football mainly and dont really enjoy it as much online as i prefer going into the shop and making myself at home for a few hours in the hope that i will win and i also believe escapism from my real issues in everyday life are also a contributing factor. Last Wedenesday i gambled a months salary in a few hours and for whatever reason (not only to meeting bills and commitments) i had a feeling deep inside of me that said i cannot carry on like this. I also worryingly felt like that if i could not combat this illness then do i really want to be here. I know it sounds all dramatic after a loss but it is a recurring feeling over the years and as a father of 3 boys i should not ever be so selfish to feel like that.
I am waiting to start counselling again as it has helped in the past and for whatever reason perhaps its the seriousness of the situation with regards to my mood i have not gambled since that loss 1 week ago today. When talking to gam care they suggested this place and i have been a voyeur for a few days taking it all in. I have been here before (not this site) but about to seek help for my addiction and managing to abstain in the immediate aftermath of seeking help. This time though i dont want to repeat the circle of events that have brought me to here today.I want off this ride though, i want to not gamble, i want to be happy, i want to smile, and feel free with no clouds hanging over me, most of all i just want peace.
Sorry if that all sounds a bit over the top but maybe its down to my heightened emotions right now.
Thank you for reading. I wish you all the very best of luck in your quest for serenity.
Tony
Hi Tony,
Nothing is over the top when it comes to gambling so you definitely shouldnt feel like that.
I am pretty new to this but I would recommend getting as many blockers in place as you possibly can....as a compulsive gambler there is always going to be this fight to stop gambling and the more difficult it is for you to do it then the more likely you are to succeed.
Exclude yourself from as many bookies as you can....is there anyone you can hand your finances over too?
Hope it all goes well for you and good luck.
Damian
Thanks i have excluded myself mate but you know bookies spring up all the time but i have to accept this fact and address the issue of me i think. Your advice is very welcome and sensible thank you the finances is something thats been suggested before i should heed it i think.
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.
