If it wasn't gambling it'd be something else.

*edited.

I just read my post back. What's with all the blanking out of words like s h i t, etc? I thought you had to be over 18 to gamble?

Hi Balrog, what you describe there is addiction...The bit about being self aware enough to avoid 'therapy' is addiction speaking! If you get the right kind of help, there is a way to live with it but if you listen to the bull that it tells you about fixing yourself then the never ending circle of self destruction continues!

The stars are super frustrating especially when they bleep out everyday words but just coz we're all adults (most of us ones that have made stoopid choices) doesn't mean we need to eff & blind to the world, people get the meaning without the real words so your frustration is clear!

I'm far from being an expert on the subject but I traded gambling for a well known crush game & then here, apparently they're transient addictions, (I take them anyday over gambling) they're less harmful than the ones you describe which are the ones people stick to who don't unravel what's making them tick!

Have a look round the site, Google addiction, your thinking is nothing new, maybe once you realise you're not a bad person you'll figure it out! You did good getting it out, now you just gotta figure out how to move forwards - ODAAT

ODAAT, thanks. it's clear you don't really understand what I'm talking about, thanks for trying though, I appreciate it at this time of the morning, so god bless you for trying.

Yeah ..i totally understand you...im compulsive at everything i do. Beer..same thing...start it and im there til closing time(im not an alcoholic..only drink 2-3 times a year) ..packet of biscuits...havta eat the whole pack. Many other examples.

Addiction is addiction..love is blind...addiction is love...so we are blinkered by gambling...we are not normal like the man on the street...who can walk in..do a wee bet...walk out. We dont/cant/will not stop. We need 'therapy' unfortunately...GA..counselling..someone to take our means of money away etc etc etc...we must change ...otherwise life will continue to suck!!!!!! Sounds easy but its tough as hell. G'luk

my brother.

And yet people like CW continue to judge us with no understanding except a need to get revenge.

Ok, you're compulsive and you use whatever you're using to extremes. What are you going to do to change your mindset, to change the addict thinking? Accept the help and begin the painful process of changing yourself? Or keep on telling yourself that no one understands, you're unique and your case is different.

The addict thinking will dismiss all possible sources of help and advice. Because your case is different and no one understands and nothing works anyway. So the way is clear to carry on using until you get even more desperate.

Actually ODAAT's spot on and also gf. But if you dismiss what she says, what will change?

Regular attendance at Twelve Steps meetings and following the advice that you get there will make a difference. But if you dismiss that as being judged, what will change?

Finally, are you judging me?

CW

I think CW is one of the wisest members of this forum from the other side of the street and you would do well to follow some of her advice in my opinion.

Oh for Gods sake Phil, are you having a laugh? It amazes me what a short memory some of you have. There was a time when you were asking very unsavoury (and personal) questions about CW because she had riled you up so much. CW is sometimes well meaning, but no matter how many books she reads or meetings she goes to, she will not understand a gambler, or an addict for that matter as much as another gambler or addict. Stop feeling you have to blow smoke up her rear in order to appease your guilty conscience.

This is a reminder of the forum rules and etiquette which state that forum users should show respect for other forum users' views and opinions. http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/chatroom/chatroom-and-forum-etiquette#.VGOJC19FC71

This forum is designed to be a space where users can learn from and support each other whether they have similar or different perspectives. Often a different perspective is useful.

If posts continue to be disrespectful we'll have to edit them and we may put members on moderation for a time to allow them to take time to consider the effect on others before posting.

Thank you

Forum Admin.

Balrog,

You make an interesting point and one which i (and many others on here) can relate to.

Cigarettes, booze, food, gambling - done them all!!.

Your original question was how can i give up gambling.

Gambling takes many forms and it is difficult to give accurate advice without knowing what u punted on. For example i played the machines in bookies. I gave up carrying cash and cards for a long time so no trips to the bookies for me.

Firstly you need a barrier to stop u gambling. Sometimes referred to as the triangle of time - money - location. Lose one and no gambling.

The forum is full of advice regarding barriers and tips, hints etc.

Perhaps take time out to read some diaries on here.

Abstain and maintain

My life with addiction

My diary of shame

All good examples of individuals who have dealt head on with gambling and addiction and who have stopped long term.

The forum sometimes becomes angry due to its very nature. Remember its all about you and recovery.

I wish you well

Hello Balrog

I am like you my friend if its there to be abused i will do it. Coke (i had a dyson tag against my name once upon time so made me laugh a little )gambling weed food....... Gambling took hold as it a difrrent kind of addiciton a full blown fast rush and a hard fall down a very extreme high and low... Its important you reconised you have an issue. my advise personally go an see a counciller you prob blew 100s on gambling so £35 quid a session for a counciler to get to the root of why you use and abuse things is a great investment. 12 step programs are good but you would go to ga aa na etc. counciling you would focus on yourself.

Would get with a girl till she gets bored??? dont put yourself down man. you just aint met the right girl! Hope your ok keep writing and talking the best thing you can can and read some diaries!

ring gamcare and tell them about the gambling they will send you to some free counciling session and can focus on you not just the gambling!

Go start a diary write and pour your heart out the longer.

You cant hide from the storm you just got to learn to dance in the rain!!!

Hi balrog

i live in Stoke on Trent and I'm a online slots gambler,have been for the last 3 years.i suddenly lost 3k in around 18 days.i had some hard days and had to have time off work.im currently having counselling sessions with impact in Staffordshire,they don't just look at gambling problem they start from the beginning,I have 12 weeks of free sessions then it stops then will have to go private.i have no debit card or credit cards,put blocks on my iPad and stopped my online banking apps,I'm lucky because I don't feel the urge to play FOBTS and go to betting shops,there is help out there but you have to help yourself.good luck.

Hi Balrog,

Just a couple of simple questions that I'd like you to answer:

1. What do you see when you look into the mirror each day? Do you recognise the person staring back at you?

2. If you have close family (loved ones), and you sat them down and asked them what they honestly thought of you what do you think they would answer?

re your first post: It's a whole lot easier to use than to have real relationships with real people. Counselling, meetings and therapy, amid the navel gazing, teach you to connect with those around you. The addiction doesn't need other people. The real man behind the mask of addiction does.

CW