Hi. I now have the balls to say I have a big problem after years of putting it off, or looking at other gamblers at GA and thinking my problem was not as big, so ignoring. The problem only got bigger and now I look at myself and wonder why the hell I waited. I have messed mine and close ones lives around me and feel so selfish. Don't know where to begin!
Hello Hornet94
Thanks for your post and welcome to the forum.
You say you dont know where to begin. It sounds like you already have Hornet94 by acknowledging you a problem with gambling and asking for help here on the forum. Please feel free to take a look round the forum, it is supportive and informative.
There is also the GamCare helpline (0808 80 20 133) and netline which is open 8am to midnight everday. Advisors will be happy to give you information, support and advice regarding a free counselling service, can offer you strategies you can use and information about group support such as Gamblers Anonymous http://www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk .
Please keep posting we are here to support you.
Caroline
Hi Hornet94, Just wanted to say welcome to the forum and well done for finding your balls !. I sometimes wondered where mine went but eventually they turned up !!. You say you dont know where to begin , like most of us on here it is difficult to start unravelling what has happened and what weve become without really noticing ? Just start at the beginning my friend , maybe putting down in words what has brought you to where you are now and how your feeling ? . Nobody is here to judge , only to offer support or listen if you feel like sharing ? . Just seek advice about putting some blocks in place to help you stop gambling then take one day at a time my friend ! Best wishes on your future recovery . Alan [ Compulsive Gambler ] Who will not gamble today !!....
Hornet - can't really put it better than Alan's post. Just start talking to us about what's gone on and how you feel... the last bit is important as you need to get to understand why you're doing it. Then some practical advice like barriers is to reduce card withdrawal limit, download blocking software, exclude from bookies, tell your mates who will stop you from gambling etc. One thing I have found is that willpower doesn't work for me! I need to be able to not find a way to get money and to get time and to get to a website or bookies.
Alan - just wanted to say that your post was spot on! Some top class advice there. Sounds basic when you put it like you did but it's everything all in that concise post.
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