Hi all, i would just like to introduce myself, I am 29 year old, a mummy to an amazing 6 year old boy who has severe autism, and a partner to a man who has in the past had his own gambling problems but is doing ok now. Like most people on this site I imagine, I have a very serious gambling problem. Since I was 18, so for the last 10 years I have been gambling, and in the last 5 years it has really gotten out of hand and I’ve built up so much debt. £25,000 worth to be exact ? my main problem been online slots. I have never stepped foot into a bookies shop it’s all done online. I blocked myself on gamstop a while back , even blocked my bank card from gambling transactions but still managed to get round it. After a very bad few months where I’ve lost about £5000 alone I’ve finally installed gam ban on every device in my house and am now on day 3 of no gambling or even been able to look on any gambling site which is helping as no temptation. I have big gambling binges mainly when I’m having a stressful time in life, the last few months have been bad which coincides with all the stress I’ve got in my life just now and lots more to come over the next few weeks so I knew if I don’t act now then I will lose a lot more over the next few weeks. I need to try get through this stressful time without gambling as all it does is cause more stress. I feel at a loss at the minute as I don’t know what to do with myself as it’s been a daily part of my life for such a while I use it to de stress on a night time once little ones settled in bed. I’m determined to stop and give my little boy the life he deserves this time and I think doing a daily chat on here will help. Sorry for rambling on 🙂
Hi @herewegoagain20,
Thank you for coming to the forum and for sharing your story.
I am sorry hear how you have been affected by the roller-coaster of ups and downs in your gambling and how this has impacted you in many ways. Many people gamble as a form of escapism or to fill a void as a way to switch off from the stress in their lives, so you are not alone.
Have you thought about any hobbies or interests that you could do to take the focus away from the gambling. This would add some fulfilment and enjoyment into your recovery. Making some changes in your routine and lifestyle can have a real positive impact on your recovery and wellbeing.
It is really positive that you have taken some practical steps to try and stop. I would suggest some additional things to put in place; along with GamStop's self-exclusion, it may be worth installing some blocking software to add some further protection to your recovery, ensuring as many things are in place if you experience an urge to gamble in the future.
I would encourage you to contact the GamCare Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or Netline to talk through what has been going on, and look at how you can make these strategies work best in your circumstances and discuss possible treatment options as well. We are available 24/7.
Regards
Dan
Forum Admin
Thank you, I have got gam ban blocking software on every device in my household now, it really is helping me as it’s habit now for me to try load a betting/slot site without thinking when on my phone, and not been able to do that has helped me the last few days, I know this isn’t going to be easy, not at all, but I seem to be coping ok at the minute, other then passing my spare time eating instead of gambling and gaining the lbs instead of losing them...ooops ?? I spoke to somebody on the live chat option on here the other day who gave me the free gam ban access and I did find it helpful to speak . I am working on putting every possible block in place as although I’m ok at the minute I know if I can gamble easily online then I 100% will. I also don’t have any hobby’s at the moment but I’m back at work Monday after a whole year on furlough, so hoping this will take my mind off things. Thank you for the reply 🙂
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.
