I started gambling in 2005 after being introduced to the FOBT by an old boyfriend and haven't stopped since. I have lost everything. My home, my job, my friends, my dignity, my family. Every penny I ever had went on the Fobt in the bookmakers. I have stolen from my kids, left them.hungry to feed my disgusting addiction
Sunday was my lowest point. After spending my last three hundred pounds on the FOBT I'm.done. This was supposed to have been for my rent and I now have the possibility of eviction .
I've done everything I could in the past to stop, self exclusion , the lot.
I've been to GA meetings but didn't really find them.useful.
I've got to stop once and for all.
Hi Steph92,
Welcome to the forum, and well done for posting into our forum.
It seems like you’ve been struggling with your gambling problem for a long time (since 2005), and you don’t seem to be getting to where you want to be with it.
I’m glad though that you’ve made the effort to seek help and support from our forum, and that is a step in the right direction. In our forum, members will offer you their support and suggestions in dealing with your gambling problem.
Gamcare is ready to help and support you to overcome your problematic gambling by advising you on strategies to enable you to control and eventually stop, for instance putting up blocks to your online gambling, and going for Self Exclusion from all the bookies in your local area with a single phone call’
It’s would be in your own interest to try and stick with the advice that we offer you, so you’d be able to achieve your goal, ok?
Gamcare can offer you various help options, and also sign-post you to other charitable organisations if we think you’d benefit from their services. We can also refer you for counselling if you feel it would benefit you in overcoming your gambling problem.
How about contacting us on our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak to one of our advisers regarding your gambling problem?
Our lines are open from 8.00am to midnight, 24/7.
Our forum also provides you with the platform to chat about, and also share your gambling experience, and also to learn from others’ too. Spending time in the forum will also help keep you away from using that time to gamble.
I wish you the best in your journey to recovery, and please keep posting!
Kind regards,
Beatrice
Hi Steph,
I am on day 3 of GF and never even thought I would make it past day 1 or even get to day 1, all I can say is the advice above is awesome and read the stories on the forum, read some more and some more, take it one day at a time.
Hi steph, stop it today ! Don’t wait until tomorrow, take your life back , take your senses back , open your eyes , you can do this, and I have no doubt whatsoever! This decision has to be yours like it was mine 2 years ago. One think that really helped me was going to the gym and getting involved on charity work helping others. Spend your free time with your family or helping others rather than gambling and you will start to think less about gambling. I don’t waste any more time or money . Love yourself . All the best
Deleted
Hi Steph,
As PA has said it really is a heartbreaking story.
Many things you have done I went through as well. I still money from family, girlfriends and even work which all ended up with me taking a whole load of tablets with a half hearted attempt of suicide. I lost/hid from most of my friends and family and spend most opf my time on my own.
But you know what, my family and true friends all stuck round me when and were all there when i started to deal with things. I have had to face up to the debts I had and then I started looking at the reasons I had to gamble. I am still paying debts off from years ago, but 2 years on I now I have is peace of mind. I sleep well these days and I can look at myself in the mirror.
You said GA didnt really help you...did you really give it 100%? Dont get me wrong I dont think GA is for eveyone (I used to go years ago) but I think if you put your heart into it then it is a place that can really help.
I really do wish you well and I hope you continue to post on here as there is plenty people to offer good advice.
Damo
Thank you all so much for your very helpful and thoughtful comments
I am now on the day 6. It's difficult and have been really tempted to go back to the bookmakers but haven't. again to chase my losses.
The very helpful comments are keeping me going
Thanks again
Steph
Oh well done you! I tried to chase my losses for nearly 20 years and obviously as you know it won’t work . Keep strong you can do this . I wish you all the best
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