Hi, I am new to the forum today so a deep breath and here we go. I had my first bet on the horses when I was seven and I was hooked, I am now 59. In my early twenties my gambling became out of hand, nothing else mattered. I became a different person and my girlfriend who was living with me left me, it broke my heart. I went to GA got things under control and luckily convinced my girlfriend to give me another chance. We are now coming up to our 30th anniversary. Unfortunately the past has come back to haunt me and my gambling is out of control. I have racked up personal debt managing to keep it hidden but certain things that have happened over the weekend have hopefully brought me to halt this hideous addiction. I have opened up to my wife and she has given me support even though she is very hurt. I have contacted Gamstop, Gamban and Gamcare and already feel lifted and going to fight back and hopefully get my life back.Â
Welcome to gamcare, sounds like your taking all the right steps to beat this horrid addiction. Weldone, the first steps are always the hardest. Stay strong and remember your not alone.
Stace
You will definitely stick with it. Your post is titled " I feel empty" is this because you can't gamble anymore ? Or is it you feel devoid of emotions that gambling has stolen? I'm interested as I know I felt empty for a few months...I was totally reliant on gambling for entertainment, I couldn't get anything else to fill my mind,I felt cold inside . But gradually over time things have changed and I derive a lot of pleasure doing other things and my mental health is hugely better. Dig deep you can do it again
Hi Charlieboy,
The title definitely relates to the emotions that gambling has stolen. In the end winning or losing meant nothing emotionally it felt like a chore. Then comes the pain of realisation of what a mess you have left behind you
I have been bet free snice my son was born 6 months ago but today i lost £400. My triggers were due to me having covid and work not paying me for being off also escaping money concerns stress related to losing money . But i will keep going and start again. 20 years of gambling i still have my bad days.Â
Hi and welcome! I think it’s encouraging that you have confided in your wife and this is certainly a big step to becoming ‘clean’ and honest. Like you, I was addicted, every day be thinking of my next bet and it was ruining any sense of stability in my life. This applied to focus at work, home, gym, anything, just because my brain was pre-occupied with it. Anyway; questions for you - do you have Time to gamble? Do you have access to money to gamble? And are you in a location where it is easy to gamble? Remove 2 out of 3 of these in my experience and I struck gold to become gamble free! This along with CBT through GamCare helpline, I am now ONLY 125 days but I have no urges and no thoughts of gambling. Unbelievable how I’ve changed 🙂 Good Luck and hope you can stay free from the devil of gambling!!Â
Hi,
I have time to gamble, I did have access to money ( now removed ). Not in a location to use betting shop. I am medically retired from work, I need to find something to fill my time.Â
I really hope I can get through this.Â
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