Hi all im lisa, im 32 and quite frankly could have a very idyllic life if it wasnt for my addictive behaviour. Ever since I left work to raise my 2 gorgeous boys I have found myself entangled in an online web of misery. I have spent my husbands hard earned money on anything and everything I can justify to myself as being necessary. At least when my addiction was shopping related my husband could see where his money was going, however now my addiction is online gambling I have found myself living a double life full of secrets and lies and I dont know where else to turn. I have tried a few times to "control" my urges: deposit limits, self exclusions requesting bans from companies so i dont open other accounts but i always seem to find a way around it. So i find myself here. I hope to start a diary starting now and look forward to getting to know all of you and hope that i may be able to offer some support in return 🙂 xx
Hi Lisa - Well done on coming to the site and seeking help. You will find loads of support and encouragement here for your journey to 'sanity'. I call it 'sanity' because a sort of madness takes over when you are on slot machines and all logical thought goes out the window. I completely empathise with you - I was addicted to online sites for quite a few years and like you, hid it from my family. They thought it was just a case of 'Mum's bingo' without knowing the full extent of my losses. I have been 'sane' now for over three months with the help of this great site and the marvellous people here. So I know that you can do it too.
One piece of practical advice - I see that you have self-excluded (make sure it's permanent exclusion mind) but most importantly install a blocking program on your PC. I use K9 which is free, but there are other such as Gamblok or TXNoGam.
These barriers are great because they make it hard for you to access any type of gambling site.
Be proud of yourself that you have made the choice to be free and enjoy life again.
Compulsive gambling robs us of so much and even after a few days free of the addiction you will start to feel better.
Best wishes for your journey.
Joanna
Hi Joanna congrats on your 90 day mark 🙂
I think "mum bingo" is the perfect term to use.
Bored housewife, nothing better to do...... behind the cups of coffee and giggles lies a real problem.
I have the K( software installed but it only took me 4 days to change the security settings so i could access gaming sites again, so today I have enlisted a pal to come and change the passwords on all the laptops so i cant bypass them.
Fingers crossed I can stay clear!
Good luck to all and well done to those already on their journeys xx
Hi zally
Welcome aboard this bumpy but positive ride
This forum is helping me a lot so use it start a diary read the stories especially when you want to play come on here first it really will help
I did online slots for eight years on a bingo site my OH thought I was playing innocent bingo which I was at the beginning and then the addiction took over
I was very surprised when I first came on here I could relate with so many people I was not on my own
A few quotes are helping me abstain
The. Triangle time money location
Can't win can't stop
One day at a time
Your first step was to come onto this great site
Your second step is to do day 1
Keep strong and positive
Best wishes Suzanne x
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