My first post. I am ashamed to admit this but I have a problem. Both of my parents are compulsive gamblers so I guess I've inherited the gene from them! I have just lost £500 in a space of 20 minutes. This wasn't even my money. I constantly chase the next win. I really need help. I barely sleep and I have little to no money as it is. I am trying to keep my head together but this is too hard. I don't know what to do. I cannot stop once I start and I have nowhere left to turn for help.
Hello LittleBear88
Welcome to the forum.
Download blocking software, self-exclusion or handing over finances are prevention barriers that can help you to stop and take stock of your situation without causing anymore financial hardship.
From there different things work for different people. Self-help books, CBT, GA, hypnosis, religion, phoning GamCare or counselling are options.
Keeping busy is important to keep your mind off and your time away from gambling.
Reading the forum is a great way to see how different people deal with gambling addiction. You're not alone and will find a wide array of people use the forum.
Best wishes
Glint
Hi LittleBear88,
Welcome to the Forum, and thanks for your post.
You have taken a brave move when you admitted to your gambling problem, and now, you can reach for the help and support that you need to overcome your gambling problem.
Gamcare is ready to advise you on strategies to put in place to enable you to overcome your problematic gambling.
Perhaps, it would be advisable to consider attending counselling sessions to help you with the underlying issues, and since you feel you’ve inherited gambling from both parents.
Gamcare can refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling, and nearest to where you live, if you feel it would help you to stop gambling.
I will encourage you to read the postings from our Chatroom/ Forum for strength, hope, and also for more strategies to help you to work through your gambling problem. As you can see from the response you’re getting from your post, fellow forum member are very supportive in this sense, and they do share their experiences, hoping that you’ll also learn something from it.
Perhaps you’d like to contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of advisers for more help and maybe, for counselling support as well.
Also, we do hold live chats every day from 8.00pm to 9.00pm in case you’d like to register and join in. The live chat is mostly attended by people in recovery, and at times, affected others too.
I wish you all the best in your effort to overcome your gambling problem, and pls. try and post as often as you can to let us know how you’re getting on.
Kind regards,
Beatrice
Hi there little bear , my names Alan and I'm a compulsive gambler ! . Well you've made a gret start just by being here , you already had some great advice from glint and the gamcare team so I won't repeat ! Difficult for you I'm sure by having parents who are CG's as well as I'm guessing you can't really go to them and explain you have a problem ? . However you do have your choices my friend and can decide if you want to continue as you are or break the family cycle ? Both my parents and grandparents gambled so I suppose I just followed what I'd seen and been taught ! But I've now gone about 5 months now without a bet so if I can then so can you . This place is great to come to when you want to talk or have a rant about how you feel or just to chat and get advice , no judgements just likeminded people with a common aim , to give up gambling ! Take what you need from the advice you've been given so far and you won't go far wrong my friend ! Take care and keep posting ! Best wishes Alan
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