Hello my name is Daniel and i have been an addict for gambling since I turned 18 4 years ago. I was constantly playing online casinos and since I was living with my mom I did not care to gamble and just never thought about how it was destroying me. My family always thought I just had a bad job and did not make a lot of money which is why me struggling financially didn't make them think I was gambling. Around 4 months ago my mom and brother intervened and asked if I had been gambling, this is the first time I ever said I was in almost 4 years to anybody. My brother mom rightfully made me feel shame and guilt and at that point I actually stopped for 3 months. My life was actually better and I ended up falling into that abyss again and lost all my money that I had worked to save. Now just today my mom texted me asking if I had been gambling. I wanted to throw up when she asked me and my brother said he will no longer speak to me anymore. My mom is still wanting to help me and I honestly have no idea why. The main thing that just makes me feel horrible is that my father was a gambler for 25+ years and I witnessed him destroy his life. I do not know why I still gamble and I am really just not knowing what to do. i do not know how I am supposed to get my brother back or to get anyone to trust me again. I cam to this chatroom hoping that someone has something they can say to help me. Sorry for the long post. If anyone has anything that can help me not feel so miserable and lonely I would appreciate it.
I think it’s great that you have made it here and want to better yourself and be gamble free. Well done for making it here. It can be really hard, I remember the first time I had to open up to my brother about my gambling problem many years ago. I know family’s can be different and your brother may have memories and opinions about your dad who is also is a addict and that might impact what’s happening with you at the moment.
stay on the road to recovery and either keep coming back here and read the stories to get a understanding that you are not alone in this fight against this addiction, add the software and resources available like gamban and gamstop.
i would highly recommend GA physical meetings as they can be a eye opener and a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you recover.
it can’t be cured but being on the road to recovery is better than the road to gambling hell like most of us have been on.
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dave101
Hi daniel,
i think Daves post says most of what i would want to convey to you. Â Im also on the road to recovery (and plan to do my best to remain on the road) and have come to understand one thing through my long history of gambling. Â The first is that gambling is lonely and emotionally painful whilst recovery promotes a collective and belonging. Â Like Dave says come back and connect through this and it may be helpful to also get 1-2-1 support using the support numbers provided.
I hope you dont mind me also suggesting that your mum is supprting you as she loves and values you. Â Its likely your brother does to although it is hard for those around us to not also experience the harm of our gambling (sometimes not financial and often emotional).and we cant change that but we can move forward away from gambling which also can assist create environments for relationships to heal.Â
Take care and well done for reaching out.
Am sorry to read what’s been happening mate if u want help it is there but you got to want to stop for yourself first and foremost gambling it an illness and a compulsion that takes over any rational thought I hope u feel better soon and all the bestÂ
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