Here we go...again

Don't just self exclude multi self exclude all the bookies it takes one phonecard. Good luck

Hi Adam

I am the parent of a young gambler and I hope I can offer you a little support and helpful advice. First of all you have made the right decision to come on here and I hope you read all the forums and listen to any advice given to you because you have a bright future ahead of you that should not be spoilt. I would strongly recommend you ring Gamcare to get professional advice on what steps to take and you will feel better for talking to someone. I would suggest making a list of actions you need to take to beat this: i.e ring Gamcare, make today day 1 of non gambling and keep counting the days, confide in a friend of family member and maybe ask them to help you moniter your finances (the secrecy is the worst thing and not being able to hide your finances is a real deterrent to keep gambling). Think ahead about your payday and how you can avoid temptations around that time (this is where someone monitering your finances comes in). Whatever you do try not to go down the loans route - hopefully this last payday can be written off without that - if not as Gamcare about legit debt management schemes. I have to be a bit firm and warn you that if you do carry on the 5 minute buzz you get from gambling can possible turn into years of stress and heartache. It can ruin your self esteem. Take the positives in your life like you are a bright uni grad with a great future and a good job with the opportunities of nice hols, house ownership, all sorts of great things. Also think of your family who you have made so proud by doing uni etc. It is your decision as to which life you choose but I hope you opt for the gfree. It will be a bit of hard work to beat this but I think you can do it. We have done a lot of the things suggested above and they seem to be working so all I can say is - please listen to all on here - good luck and take care.

Thanks @Christer1, is there a method to self-exclude in bulk? I saw there is something new coming soon backed by the gambling commission but it's not available yet.

And, @gamparentanon. Wow, thank you for this post. It means a lot for you to take the time to write this out. I really appreciate your advice about writing down the steps to beating this horrible addiction - it's something I will take on board. I think I will seriously consider ringing and getting more professional help. It's quite a daunting step but I agree with you in that it's neccessary to nip it in the bud.

I shall keep you updated with my progress, but just to know someone else is thinking about me seems to help.

Multi self exclude is just for shops at the moment. They are doing a online one before next year

Hi Adam,

I would certainly recommend counselling. It really helped me get an understanding of what was driving me to gamble, suggested new hobbies and activities to take up and was someone to speak to whenever even outside of the sessions.

Good luck

Good luck Adam. Stay in touch with us all.