Hi everyone, I'm new today

Meant to say, I'm not even sure if I have posted this in the right place or not, ooops

Hi Littlelady13,

Thanks for your post, and welcome to the forum. I hope you're finding it to be a supportive place, and this is a big step you've taken, so well done for that. You might get more responses though, if you're willing to share a bit more about your gambling, i.e. what type of gambling you do, how long it's been going on, what consequences you've faced because of it, etc., which would give the other members a better idea of how to support you or offer any advice.

In any event, I hope you find this to be a helpful space for you, and I'm sure everyone wishes you the best on your journey towards recovery.

Travis

Hi Littlelady13 you could start a recovery diary in that section too it gives you accountability to friends you make in here. Have you self excluded and got blocking software? Best of wishes Lulu x

Thank you. I've been using online slots for the past year and it's got on top of me. I just can't stop! I hate myself, I'm always waiting for a big win that never comes. I don't know what to do to stop this, I keep telling myself I'm a fool, but then go and do it again. If my husband finds out I dread to think what might happen. It all started because I had cancer a few years ago, and this left me financially broke as I was unable to work for over a year, I started on the slots thinking I just need one big win and we would be OK???? I am at my lowest now trying to break this awful addiction and can only see a bad ending from all this. Thank you for listening.

Hi littlelady we have all been where u are now . Im now gf 36 days i never thought it would get better as soon as you stop and you need to want to stop it will get better . I lost everything trying to chase loses its not worth it we cannot win because we put it all back in . The thing that has stopped me is i dont want to lose my family and my home coming on here and writing in my diary every day or when i can has stopped me just reading the stories on here too . So many people have lost everything to gambling . Every day we dont play we are winners . Good luck too you . You can do this with all of us 🙂

Thank you Bamb84 for your kind reply, and well done you on your days of gambling free! Do you have any tips to keep me off it, I'm just itching to spin! X

Well i found in the evening when im on my own its worse for me so ive started watching box sets which is working the walking dead at the moment . In the day i try and get out more even see family go for a walk anything to keep distracted . Ive also brought a little book which ive written all my debts in to keep reminding myself of what i did and hopefully month by month they will get better . Also everyday just coming on here reading the stories and making my own diary has helped . Hope this helps 🙂 stay strong you will be ok x

Thank you, I really appreciate your ideas . Today is Mothers Day and I have promised myself I will not gamble, I will take one day at a time and mark them off my calendar and hopefully be able to see lots of crosses mounting up. X

Hi Little Lady

You can do this !

Congrats on taking the first step. I myself have also taken the first step today. I have always been very honest with my wife and although she is very deeply hurt she is being very supportive towards me 🙂

Hello Littlelady13,

Our forum members sometimes post the phrase 'If nothing changes, then nothing changes'; in other words, to make recovery happen, changes need to be made. Our forum members often caution against relying on willpower, and generally recommend putting some practical measures in place to make it less easy to gamble instantly on impulse. As you are gambling online, for you this could include self-exclusion and blocking software: http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do

You mentioned that you had cancer a few years ago, and have experienced financial difficulties as a result. Are you getting all the support you might be entitled to receive? If you are based in the UK you could contact Macmillan to speak with their specialist advisers on 0808 808 0000 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/information-and-support/organising/benefits-and-financial-support

You've posted that you dread to think what may happen if your husband discovers your gambling. It sounds like you don't talk about your gambling problem and consequently may not have much support for your recovery, so it is good that you're sharing peer support here on the forum. If you're based in Britain you can also talk with us on 0808 8020 133; we can offer emotional support, advice and details of free therapy services locally and online.

Take care,

Forum admin.

Thank you all for your replies. It's really nice to know there are people out there that understand.x

Hi everyone, I have just finally braved it and told my husband about my secret gambling. I was very scared but now feel much better that I have been honest. I'm really struggling and still want to gamble, but hopefully him knowing will help me be stronger.