Hi everyone,
I have struggled with gambling for a number of years now. I used to have a bet on the odd sports match and at first it genuinely was a 'bit of fun' and as with so many addicts I started out pretty successful. Over the last 4 years my stakes have streadily increased and the frequency in which I do them has to. I realised I had a problem a couple of years ago and stopped for several months but then started again convincing myself I was stronger! Yesterday was a bad day, I drank too much, bet too much and ended up really upsetting my partner, I woke up this morning feeling like complete c**P. My partner is my life, she is amazing and today I told her properly that I have a problem. It's difficult because she bets quite a lot but in contrast to me she can always stay in control. She has been really supportive and actually wants me to stop too, she knows what I'm like and knows I don't have an off switch.
I came across this website and forum and I must say it's been good to just see that I am not the only one who feels like this so thanks all!!
I have the most amazing support network, friends, family, loving girlfriend, I need to stop betting and concentrate on making the most of this wonderful life.
In time I hope to help others too.
Good luck to you all and well done for being here. Nobody is alone. x
Hello sweeper
Welcome to the forum.
It might be easier for you to stop gambling if your girlfriend stopped with you.
If that isn't going to happen self-exclusion would be a barrier that could help to protect you.
GA, CBT, self-help books, hypnosis, religion and counselling are all options.
Keeping busy is crucial. This forum is great for learning how others deal with addiction.
Keep busy, read, learn and apply anything that will help your circumstances.
Best wishes
Glint
Welcome sweeper...great place for support...and to make a start in beating this vile addiction...good luck x
Thank you both for your comments. I am sure it would be easier if my girlfriend stopped gambling but unfortunately she works in the industry and is the complete opposite to me when it comes to self control.
I've told her and that is the first time I have done it and although I feel very embarrassed I knew that to beat this I needed her support and understanding.
She wants me to stop because she has seen what I get like so I hope with her support and this amazing place I can turn my life into a positive and happy place.
It's so warming to see people helping others in such a good way as they do on here. We are all in this fight together and I so hope we can all beat this horrible addiction.
Have a good day all.
Take one day at a time - we will reach our goal.
Thank you Paul. Day 2 is a funny old day, hoping it will get easier. Take care!
Hi Sweeper, day 3, go you! Well done for realising you have a problem and like most of us on here, I do not posess on off switch either. My husband enjoys a bet on the football, horses etc and he keeps a set amount of money each week for it. He also meets his pals in the bookies and they have group bets etc - they actually manage to have 4 nights out a year with their winnings! No such luck for me as I could not stop, probably like yourself.
Your girlfriend can still support you, even though she enjoys a gamble. If she works in the industry she will know how this terrible addiction can have a negative effect on your daily life. Put measures in place, such as excluding from the bookies or casino. Limit your access to money if you can. You will see people on here talking about the 'triangle' -Money, Location,Time - without one you cannot gamble.
Perhaps consider counselling, you can call Gamcare and they can help you with that.
Meanwhile, my love, take care and very best wishes with your recovery xx
keep at it mate your doing well it only gets easier! here if you need anything
Annie and Goe110 just saw your messages! Annie your diary was inspiring and Goe110 really enjoying chatting to you. Thanks for your support guys, it really does mean so much to me!! Always lean on me too, we can be here for each other. We'll all have highs and lows and in between on this journey, hope I can help you both as you're helping me. As discussed with Goe110 last night was a big test and I'm delighted to have passed it. It's a million miles from easy as we all know! I hope it will get easier in time. I can't remember the last weekend I was sober of betting, it's Friday morning and I hope to report on Monday morning no bets. Thanks again you lovely people!
Hey mate, day 6 🙂 I'm a couple behind you, so it would be great to keep each other motivated. Have a great day mate.
thereaper
Hey thereaper, hows it all going? Day 8 for me now, first weekend for a long old while that I have been completely off the gambling. Pleased to have got through it! It's a lot easier knowing everyone is so encouraging on here, Goe110 has been a massive help!!! What day are you on?
I'm pretty near the start too, only day 2 for me. Good work guys
Well, it's day seven. I have been focused so much on my gym work, it's keeping me motivated to not gamble. As a result, I have been working majorly on flexibility, feeling great too.
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