I've been a gambler for the best part of 9 years. I'm now on day 12 of not gambling at all. However, there's such a huge void in my life. Both of my teenage sons have now left home to go to university and without them and the gambling I'm so lonely and bored. I work from home part-time and self-employed so I realise it's going to be so easy for me to start online gambling again. I was only ever interested in the slots. At the moment I feel relieved, emotional and so ashamed of my past gambling habit. I hope it stays in the past, so desperate for it to stay in the past. I've given up once before for just over a year, this was around 5 years ago. Both of my sons now know I was a gambler, one son has known for some time. My partner knows I have a gambling addiction but doesn't know the amount of money I've lost. My losses equate to around £70,000. I'm having counselling through Gamcare at the moment, I've completed 4 sessions, only wish I'd done it years ago.
Work full time instead of part time? Will help fill the void and re-coup some losses.
New hobby? Gambling provised a release of adrenaline and endorphines... a new hobby can give you the same buzz, yet you'd be doing something more productive, sociable and/or healthy.
I personally started a degree through Open University and have become a marathon runner and train in my spare time. I'm healthier, smarter and more productive. I did have a relapse recently but nowhere near the extent to which I was gambling before.
Thanks for the advice JS85. It's not possible for me to work full-time due to a health problem I have to manage. New hobby sounds good. I registered for Open University to start in January next year but I backed out. Thank for reminding me I can get my life back. I enjoyed cycling years ago. (note to self: dust off that cycle in the garage). I hope you continue on your path to recovery.
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