Hi everyone,
I joined the website back in 2010 but very rarely posted, although I always took an interest in other posts which I could relate so much to.
Over the past week, I have hit rock bottom, constant gambling and loss after loss creating such a financial mess - I am so depressed with it all and don't know how or if I can cope with this.
I have relapsed on a number of occasions, i've let down people I love time after time and I don't have anyone I can really turn to for help.
Despite saying to myself on a daily basis that I cannot win this does not stop me from wasting hundreds and hundreds of pounds that I cannot afford. Gambling has got a grip of me and won't let go - I know that by ridding myself of gambling I can lead such a happier life away from tje constant guilt and depression that problem gambling brings.
My main problen is the bookies FOBTs , the crack C*****e of gambling, in particular the dreaded roulette. Most recently I have been gambling online, today I looked at possible blocking software but haven't quite managed to get it sorted.
I would almost always be chasing my losses on a daily basis, it has now got to the stage where I feel like giving up entirely, I have good friends and family and a loving girlfriend who means everything to me, sadly I just cannot bring myself to tell them of my recent problems, they are aware of my past problems but not now - it kills me to think of the hurt I have caused them due to my stupidity.
Would appreciate any feedback from other members - I wish everyone on here the best of luck in overcoming this horrible illness.
I guess what I am looking for on here is to share my problems with people with similar experiences, hoping that I can help others also by way of a chat or text message.
Thanks
Jamie
Hiya Jamie,
I'm replying to you because I can really relate to your post! Im 29 female! Ive recently got myself in a right mess too despite being warned I will lose everything if I do it again! What I've recently done is give my sister my bank card and she just gives me money within good reason when I need it although I'm skint and debted up to eyeballs! I live on 50 quid a week and that has to buy my fuel and feed my 2 year old son! Fxxxxxd up isn't it!! How are you doing now ?
Also my boyfriend doesn't know of this time and this one has been the worst one yet!! I feel the same don't wanna hurt them. My bf really does not understand though ! People don't realise how much we hurt too! Stay positive!!!!
Hi Jamie
I haven't gambled for three and a half years and I would like to tell you that I have all the answers, but it doesn't work that way. I can tell you what worked for me and promise you that there is hope and a rewarding life away from the addictive and destructive pull of gambling.
I have always been a mathematician and a scientist which may be why I thought I could devise a winning system, however my system always had a flaw that needed tweaking. I know now that the flaw was my emotional relationship with gambling, which meant I often used it to relieve stress, to escape and to avoid reality. When I understood my problem was one of addiction, it helped me to defeat it. I didn't win every battle, but I did ultimately win the war.
Over Christmas I received a text from a friend that I had helped to beat his own gambling demons. He simply said that a year ago he was a suicidal and depressed gambling addict, but that now he was living out his dreams.
It isn't easy overcoming any addiction. These tips might help:
1) Learn about your addiction in the way that you would learn about an enemy that you wanted to defeat.
2) Try not to look too far ahead. In the early days, do what you need to do to survive, then when you are ready and have a clearer head attempt, to devise strategies and methods to cope with triggers that make you want to gamble.
3) Build up a support group, either by talking honestly with friends and family or by joining a recognised help group, or both. This is difficult if not impossible to do without the help and support of others.
4) Be proud of your achievements, however small and remember that if you gamble, you will lose.
Succumbing to the perils of gambling is all too easy, and we are all allowed to make mistakes. New year is a good time to look at ourselves and decide if we should make changes and set ourselves goals for the year ahead.
I wish you well Jamie. Here's to a great 2017.
Ken
Hi Charl,
Thanks for your message.
I can relate to everything you havr said, I am in a similar position - have got myself into debt over and over again.
I feel so depressed and alone with all this right now I just dont know what to do anymore.
Jamie
Hi Ken
Thank you for your message, much appreciated.
I will certainly take those points in board, I think what I am lacking is someone I can talk to on a regular basis to discuss my problems. Unfortunately I dont really have anyone close enough to me that I can speak with.
I have started talking on the live chat sessions to others with the dame problems which is a start.
Many thanjs
Jamie
How much debt are u in exactly Jamie ? I feel alone too but it comforts me knowing I'm not the only one. Can we swap numbers on here?
Also I worked in the bookies from the age of 18 and have been doing it ever since ! I got the sack when I was 20 as I got caught gambling in my own shop! I'm really hoping to stop it this time!! I'm sure I would have thousands if I didn't do it. It's all well saying that's it now I'm done but I can't even trust myself!! I've swore on peoples lives I won't do it again and I have ! That makes me sick right?!
Hi Viks
Thanks for your message.
Yeah that would be good, debt wise probably about 7K all caused through gambling.
No certainly doesnt make you sick just that you, like so many of us, have a problem dealing with gambling that we need help to sort out and get our lifes back on track.
There are so many of us in the same position these days, gamblimg addiction is not something a person can get through on their own.
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