Hi everybody, new here and have been reading through previous forum posts and really resonate with many of them.
Gambling to me used to be just going to the bingo with friends. I used to work in a Bingo Hall, so was surrounded by the gambling environment. Slowly, it got to online gambling, introduced by my ex partner at the time. Was common place for him to lose hundreds chasing bonus spins, and although I am not in that frame of mind yet, if I don't do something I will probably gamble hundreds and end up in debt.
I am with a lovely partner now, who doesn't understand why I feel the urge to gamble. Payday is a massive trigger, when I see the money in my account I just think, why not? Trying to not make it a significant trigger anymore, by making a goal of moving out with my boyfriend, as I still live with my parents. Setting up a target of a year from now, so really need to re-evaluate what I do with my money.
Hello @pixiekelly
Welcome to the GamCare forum. I'm really glad you have joined and I hope you find the support and encouragement from other members to be helpful. You can also access our group chatroom every day at 1pm and 8pm, and Gamblers Anonymous hold group supportive meetings both in person and through Zoom.
It sounds like you've taken some really positive steps by opening up with your partner.
It's good that you have identified your triggers and it may help to consider alternative coping methods when you are feeling the urge to gamble.
You're also welcome to contact us at GamCare at any time - we are here 24 hours on 0808 8020 133, Netline, WhatsApp and Facebook, so there is always someone you can talk to. You can speak one to one with an advisor and have a chat about additional steps you may find useful - e.g. putting self-exclusion / blocking software in place, looking at ways to protect your finances e.g. by having a trusted person manage your money for you, and thinking of ways of filling the time you might otherwise have spent gambling.
Some people also find it helpful to get in contact if they have an urge to gamble, to have someone to talk to until the urge passes.
Please keep posting; we are here to support you. You might like to consider starting a recovery diary here to keep track of your progress.
Best wishes,
Tommy
Forum Admin
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.
