Just needed to write something. I have just spent the past 3 hours trying to claw back some money on the online slots (again) and I am now feeling the usual self hate and guilt.
I have to tried to stop before but have always been sucked back in. So I have decided I need to reach out for help.
I am lucky as my husband is great and doesn't judge me when I gamble after saying I will stop. He never moans about the money and he tries his best to help but I don't think he can ever understand how it feels to be addicted to gambling and as fortunate as I am to have his support I think I need more.
I have been as gambler for as long as I can remember. My mum is a terrible gambler and so is my brother. I have been brought up around it. So I didn't really see it as a problem, that was until I started gambling online.
I have managed to get us into debt over it and it us only getting worse.
I am not sure what my next move should be but I feel better just typing this now.
Hi Mindy and welcome to the forum , It's a big positive that youv'e relised you have a problem with your gambling , especially if it's now causing you to get into debt .
Next move ?, well you could start by putting some simple blocks in place that will limit your access to gambling sites ?, theres a few available , k9 is one that you can download and is free but there are others available at a cost , you could always speak with gamcare who would give you more info , limiting your access to cash or card is also a good simple way of not allowing yourself to gamble , no money / no bet , so maybe think about handing your card over to someone you trust or report your card as lost and when the new one arrives rub off the security code without remembering it ? , you can self exclude from sites as well , online betting was never my thing but I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice from others in the same situation .
So lots to do and lots available to help you stop , theres also counciling available on here , again just contact gamcare or you could look at GA if thats something you'd be interested in ?, many on here have benifited from attending regular meetings , Dan , day@atime is one or Martin , oldham is another you could speak with or you could just have a go at stopping yourself like many have , lots of choices all of which have to suit you and what you feel comfy with ?.
You need to stop , simply because it doesn't get better just worse , imagine if your still doing the same thing next year and the debt has got much bigger , how will you feel then ?. I had my last gamble 7 months ago and I feel great , no more worrying over bills not being paid or not having money in my pocket , you just seem to get your life back and start concentrating on the things that really matter , give it a go mindy you might be suprised how life improves pretty quickly !.
Take care for now and keep posting as its always good to talk with others in the same situation , no judgments just advice .
Best wishes ..............Alan
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