Hi everyone,I'm Lee a compolsive gambler trying my hardest to get clean from this horrendous addiction!
I've been in a bad place lately and it wasn't untill last Friday when my 10yr old son broke down because of my gambling I new enough was enough,I hope to take some great advice from you all and hopefully when I'm strong in to my recovery help someone else who is struggling
Since watching my son cry about my ways I have kept his imagine in my head to remind me of the damage I am causing to myself and my family,I no it's very early days to yet but I am 5 days clean ,every morning I open my eyes and whisper in my head ....just for today I will not gamble ,I don't no how and why but this is a massive positive for me and so far so good to my recovery!
Thanks for reading and keep strong !
Dear @nozza11,
Thank you for your recent post and for reaching out so that we can all support you. You've taken a really brave step by posting on our forum and admitting you have a problem with gambling so well done.
I'm sorry to hear you're in a bad place and that the problem gambling is having a negative impact on your son and your Family. Things sound extremely difficult for you all at the moment, please remember that you're never alone in this and that there is so much support for you all.
There is also hope for the future, for you changing your relationship with gambling and becoming gamble free.
Five days gamble free is fantastic!
We would encourage you to make an appointment with your GP to discuss feeling in a bad place, it can really help to have their expertise and advice. There are also support helplines that you can call such as MIND, CALM and The Samaritans.
Have you tried self excluding from gambling so that you're no longer able to access it? There are other strategies and blocks that you can put in place too that may help including bank accounts that block gambling transactions and allow you to limit your daily withdrawal amount.
Also attending a local Gamblers Anonymous (GA) meeting in your area , you can find your closest group on the below link.
https://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
We can also make a free referral to one of our treatment partners for an assessment and some support sessions with them. If you would like to arrange this or you would like further help, support or guidance then please call our helpline on 0808 8020 133 or access our Netline (web chat) via our GamCare website. We're open day and night, if you'd prefer a call back then please email your contact details to Forum.Admin@gamcare.org.uk
Kindest Regards
Joanne
Forum Admin
Thanks for the post.i look forward to hearing your good progress continue.
Good morning all, thanks for your kind inspiring comments ,yes I've self excluded from all bookies ,online im using gamstop which by far is helping me ,to be honest when you self exclude from bookies I find you can easy return as the staff couldn't care less ! I am day 8 now of no bets but today will be a tough Day as it's Saturday and we all know how much sport there is on etc ! Have a great weekend all and be strong
Hello @nozza11
Glad to hear you're still gamble free - well done on 8 days! Well done also on self-excluding in the betting shops and online. As Gamstop doesn't cover all gambling sites, you may also want to consider installing blocking software to make it even harder for you to gamble online.
If you find today difficult because of all the sport that's on, do please give us a call on the Freephone HelpLine on 0808 8020 133. We're here 24/7. You can also webchat with an adviser on our NetLine, also open 24/7.
Best wishes,
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.
