Hey, everyone just wanted to make a quick post. Sorry if it is long. I've previously signed up to this site and had a couple of conversations in one of the chat rooms. They suggested speaking to someone. I took the first step and contacted someone from Gamcare. I told them my story and when they contacted me to help me I didn't respond to them because I was scared. And that was it. I never came back. That was 2 years ago. I thought I could do it alone just on willpower, but I couldn't. 2 years down the line, I am still gambling. Over the last year I have lost a lot of money in excess of maybe 70000, some being winnings but most of it was my own money. Long story short, I lost 2000 last night, and I am in a terrible position. I won't get paid for another 4 weeks and I still have things to pay for (rent). I have an overdraft which will cover my rent. I contacted someone again today and this time I will be taking advantage of any help that is given to me because I am literally at rock bottom. The advisor I spoke to today suggested giving my card to a trusted person, but I am scared they will do some investigation and look into my account and see exactly how much I have spent. Should I still give it to them? And if they do find out, I will just have to face them, but I am very ashamed right now. Sorry for such a long post, and thank you for reading. If anyone else is or has been in a similar position, any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank youÂ
Hey, first of all I would work at getting some bans in place for your gambling! Gamstop, Gamban app on your phone/tablets etc. really help. I also used to frequent bookies as well, so I have also put in a ban for those using MOSES. I have gambled most of the last 10 years, but now I have these blocks in place I cant even if I have a sudden urge to. I have also given financial control of my accounts to a parent, set up direct debits I need to come out and just transferring a small amount to a separate account for me to live on each week. It may seem embarrassing at first, but it pales in comparison to the shame and embarrassment you feel when you've blown all your money in the first couple of days of the month again, not paid rent, not got food, and are unsure what the hell you're going to do to survive the month. I would honestly do whatever you can to get away from the gambling to start with, and if later down the line you feel you can take back control of some things like your money/account, do it like that. I know that I probably wont be able to take control of those things again, because I'll always end up back at rock bottom, but I can deal with that if it means I am gamble free and happy!
Good luck with your journey!Â
Shaw
Hey, thanks for the reply. I do have all those blocks in place already, as for bookies, I don’t really visit them, I usually gamble online. My main issue was finding a way around those blocks to still gamble. I have been gamble free now for 5 days and will continue to do so because I have no money left. I barely have enough to cover my bills and that is more important. I still have 3 weeks to get paid. By then it'll be 1 month of no gambling, so hopefully things are looking good. Also, I've been speaking to an advisor, and she has sent me some useful links, and we had a nice chat. So hopefully it helps. I will keep control of my finances for now as I think I can control it myself. I wish you luck in your no-gambling journey and if you ever need a chat, we're here.Â
Thank youÂ
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