Hi everyone, I am joining this forum as my first step to recovery.
Here's a little about me:
I've been gambling on and off for the past 12 years, I have a wonderful family, a beautiful wife who's been nothing but supportive and loyal throughout my many screw ups and two beautiful children who have absolutely no idea how reckless their father is. I'm at a point in my life where enough is enough. I work tirelessly to provide for my family but time after time, I ruin everything by my moments of utter stupidity. It isn't the gambling as such that has drove me to such despair, its the lying and covering up that comes with it. I live each day hating myself, I want to change my life desperately and put all the lying, gambling and negativity behind me, before I cause my family any more distress and heartache.
I have recently started gambling again after 7 years clean, and I want to stop myself before it gets to the point of no return. I am fortunate that I have not gambled to the point of debt...yet. But I know that if I don't do something now, then that time will inevitably come. I don't know where to start or what to do, so any advice or support would be appreciated. I just can't have my family going through this again. I say again, as 7 years ago, at my lowest point I gambled to the point of severe debt, contemplated robbery as a means to repay my debt and even tried to commit suicide. I am stronger mentally now than I was before, but I don't want to go back to that point. I've come so far, to go back to that point has left me ashamed and embarresed. I even left the UK for 7 years to get away from the temptation, and it worked, but now I'm back, there is temptation everywhere, I mostly play FOBT at the bookies but recently I've been playing games online and with my addictive personality I'm finding it very difficult to resist. I understand that must sound ridiculous and weak...I guess I am weak. But I want nothing more than to change, for both myself and more so for my family.
Thanks for listening to my story, again any advice would be appreciated.
I can't give advice, I'm new here today, and on day 6 with no bets 🙂 but I just wanted to say hi...you have done it before and you can do it again! My issue is with online stuff, to easy to access for someone like me, I blocked myself from every site possible (self excluded for the maximum time) but been told of the soft wear K9 that puts a gambling block on your devices...might be worth ago?
You can do this!!
Thank you! I had no idea about K9 software. I'm definitely going to put that on my devices. Here's to us all staying strong! Much appreciated
Wow 7 years mate.. if you can manage that you have far more strength than you give your self credit for.. I'm not qualified to give you the advise you need as I'm just starting my recover and in 10 years have barely had one week without a bet..
But having spent all night reading on this site last night and posting myself.. if you want to quit.. you are in the right place.. good luck Bro..
To be honest, being away was what saved me, I was living in a country where gambling was illegal, so I had zero temptation and could focus all my attention into my work. But I was naive to think that I beat it with sheer willpower, fact is I was fortunate to be in a gambling free environment. I'm happy to be back, but it goes to show that this is a battle I'll likely live with for the rest of my life. My wife has no idea and it pains me so much as she has always put herself last both financially and emotionally for our family. And here I come and Gamble away money we don't really have without a care in the world. It's shocking. I just wish I had the same mindset as I do upon reflection when I feel the urge to have a bet.
hi there, a few suggestions :
1 ) consider a gambling-site blocker for your PC / laptop . Google ' TxNogam ' you can try a free trial for 28 days.
2) consider passing your debit / credit cards to the control of your partner. If need be, report them lost to the bank first so that they are no longer valid, then your wife can take the replacements when they arrive. then you won't be able to gamble online.
If you think gambling was rife in the UK 7 years ago it is even more prevalent nowadays ! It is everywhere ! The gov't takes a nice cut so it is almost encouraged, & advertising is allowed etc. You will need to refocus on yourself & on your own ability to resist the temptation of gambling, rather than the external of living in a country where it's a lot easier to resist as it's illegal. Try to arrive a point where you feel sorry for people who gamble, knowing that they are blowing their hard-earned cash - for nothing, really - and depriving themselves and getting themselves into debt. Then think to yourself are you really envious of that ? It's nothing to feel envious of ! Then you will start to feel grateful that you don't gamble.
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.
