Hello my name is hazel & I am new to here. I came on here well before Christmas & slowly dwindled off it thinking my gambling was in control & really it's me lying to myself. The usual denial. I have recently got talking to a counsellor from here & I am arranging sessions in Sheffield.
I'm off work presently and haven't gambled for four days. It all slot machines & only at one place losing hundreds at the bingo where I enjoy bingo but can't get past the slots after having lots of wins but really having lots of bad losses and chasing always thinking it going to be am going to win big! I have very low self esteem and know I've used that as a crutch to be happy when really the gambling destroying me. I am having urges to go but I know it bad news & I'm not able to go to bingo at all without those slots defeating me! I don't want to gamble any more and even when I'm drawn into it by tme i want to get off I've wasted hours losing and just chasing and half of time I don't care if I win or lose it a vicious circle. The thought just plays with my mind. Could anyone offer any support please. Thanks very much.
Hi Hazeybabe12,
Welcome to the Forum again, and thanks for your post.
Also, well done for not giving up on quitting gambling; I think there’s a way out for you to stop gambling if you continue with the determination you have atm.
GamCare is ready to help and support you in terms of advice on strategies and boundaries to enable you to overcome your gambling problem. I suggest that you stay in touch with us, so we can continue to support you through your journey to recovery.
Forum members will also give you additional advice on how to control your gambling habit from their experiences. However, it’s important that you observe such advice, so you’ll be able to achieve your aim.
I think it would be beneficial to you to try and post from time to time and let us know of the progress that you’re making or, in case you need further help.
Maybe, you’d like to contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our adviser. Perhaps, you would like to consider counselling support to help you in your recovery. If that be the case, I advise that you request for it when you contact the HL on the number above. Our lines are open every day from 8.00am to midnight.
We can also refer you to 12 sessions of free counselling, and nearest to where you live, if that would help you to overcome your gambling problem.
Perhaps you’ll also like to join our live chat, which is held everyday between 8.00pm and 9.00pm to help distract you from gambling. You can get all the information for the chat from our website.
Thanks once again for getting in touch, and pls. keep posting.
Best wishes,
Beatrice
Hello. Thank you for your post.
I have signed up for counselling and I am awaiting someone getting back in contact with me at the moment. I wanted to try going to a meeting but I don't know whether I am ready for that yet and think I would benefit from 1-1 counselling.
I will definitely stay on here and keep coming back.
Thank you.
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.
