I have been gambling again (on slots with suppliers not on Gamblock) for the last month. My partner is aware I have an addiction but promised I wouldn’t gamble again. I have no idea why I have done it again and it has been all consuming. I hadn’t cared about the consequences but reality has slapped me in the face. How on earth am I going to admit it? I need to accept it is a type of illness not just rubbish willpower and be able to explain this too. I need his help to keep an eye out on my activities. Any advice gratefully received.
Hi and well done on reaching out. I think you know the answer to your dilemma. I presume you've been hiding this with little white lies about money. Eventually it will come out, but probably not before a few more lies. You are going to have to come clean and address this head on, hopefully together. Not everyone can understand the mind of an addict. Your partner may need some support, you may need some support. There is lots of information on here for both of you.
You've already broken a promise to your partner. You've broken your previous efforts to stop by finding sites you can bypass blocks on. Time to get serious. Contact your bank to restrict gambling sites. Hand over control to your partner financially. This shows them you are willing to quit, and also cuts you off at the source. No money, no gambling. You can beat this, for you, for your partner. Imagine living a life where you don't have to hide things from them, you can pay for a holiday without worrying, you can speak openly about money. You can have all this, you just have to make some big bold steps initially and then work at it openly and honestly.
Good luck in your next steps, however you chose to proceed. You've taken the first step by asking for help.Â
@p6z38njbqm Thank you so much for your frank but supportive response. Gamcare also gave me some new software which will stop me from trying sites outside of Gamblock. I have already got a stop on my banking and have given my daughter (who I confided in yesterday) my credit cards. Am still waiting to speak to my partner as I have had my grandson and stepsons staying (so hoping to talk after work on Monday). Once again thank you for your support
I just wanted to provide an update. I decided I was going to write a letter (which was a little cowardly) after reading this in another thread. It was the only way I felt I could get everything out. My partner came in whilst I was writing the 2nd page. He could see I was anxious and asked if I was ok what I was doing. I told him I was writing him a letter and after some prompting from him it all came tumbling out. It was at that time I was reminded that I have an amazing partner who although doesn’t understand’ why’ is prepared to stand beside me and fight this addiction together.I have given him my banking log in details and advised him what to keep an eye on….such as ‘what are you up to on your phone’ which isn’t an invasion of my privacy. I just can’t trust myself. My credit cards have also been given up.The new Gamban software will also help. A massive thank you to this site
Great news. So happy for you. I bet you feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders. The toughest step for me was coming clean.Â
Stay strong and let us know how it’s goingÂ
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.
