I'm addicted to online slots

Gailyt39 - sorry to hear that. You'll find a lot of people here who are in similar boats. My addiction is with blackjack. Similarly, I had periods where I did not gamble, but a combination of stress and depression got me back into it.

One foot forward...dream of being gamble free, not of slots

Best wishes

Hey Burko,

Thanks for the encouragement. I just went onto a certain site..so close to trying to deposit, but came back here and had your comment.

Had I not had that from you, I may well have just gone ahead, so I thank you so very much.

We just have to all help each other out, be there for support and beat this horrible addiction.

Stay strong and thank you again.

I am starting out too and have been GF now for 3 days. I am in a lot of debt although this is manageable on my wage.

Your life in the long term will be so much happier. Stick with it.

Hi Gailyt39,

Welcome to the forum, and thanks for sharing your gambling concerns with us.

It seems like you were doing so well managing your gambling problem for a good 3 years, when unfortunately you relapsed due mostly to your Mum passing suddenly. It seems like that was a trigger for your relapse, and I hope you’re getting the necessary help and support to take you through the grieving process. If not, I’ll suggest that you see your GP and request for some bereavement counselling?

I think it’s worth trying any possible help and support to keep you away from gambling.

I’m wondering how you managed to stay gamble free for 3 years; what are the strategies that helped to distract you from gambling? Perhaps it would be a good idea to go back to the basics and see how it’ll help distract you from gambling again.

Have you also thought about installing one of our recommended blocking software to stop you from accessing gambling sites? It might be helpful to you if you can research on the following blocking software, and install the appropriate one for you:- Gamblock, Betfilter, Net Nanny, and Gamban.

Maybe, you’d like to contact our free phone Helpline on: 0808 8020 133, and speak directly to one of our advisers, and see what your options are regarding help and support for your gambling problem. We can even refer you to counselling if that would help you to overcome your gambling problem.

Do try and stay in touch with us so we’ll know how you’re getting on with your recovery, and also just in case you need further help and support.

You’ve overcome your gambling problem before, and you can do it again; stay strong!

Best wishes,

Beatrice

Well done Saffie on reaching Day3!

I hope I make it, been struggling past few hours. Feeling very agitated. About to put dinner on, but that is just another part of my normal routine. Feel there's a big chunk missing. Gambling!

I am determined to beat this, but hate this overwhelming feeling of agitation.

My wee grandson has been here this afternoon, singing his little heart out and as much as I love seeing his happy face, my mind has been elsewhere.

Here comes even more guilt and self loathing. I need to shake this and tell me myself how lucky I am!

Thank you so very much Beatrice,

My mums passing was extremely difficult and if I'm honest have still not fully accepted it (whole other problem)

I reached a point last time similar to now, where I realised things were only going to get worse if I didn't make changes.

I gambled online on my laptop and installed K9.

My relapse has all been on my phone. Can't seem to find something for my iPhone. I had a friend put a passcode on for restrictions to over 18 sites. Didn't do a thing. It actually blocks me on silly things like Travel websites etc.

Any advice on blocking for my iPhone would be a blessing.

Hello Gailyt39,

There are indeed apps for the iPhone which aim to block gambling sites. You can find out more at our website:

http://www.gamcare.org.uk/get-advice/what-can-you-do/blocking-software

Best wishes

Forum Admin.

I have just joined and gailyt39 your post is pretty much the same as me. I couldnt believe it when I read it. I too have been addicted to slots for over 10 years and at the age of 40 having stopped finally for over 6 months ended up having a big spend on the online ones. i too have made that final promise to my husband and have just spent £5000 of our savings and as you can imagine feel sick and suicidal. I just cannot tell him as I think it will just finish us all off this time. So now I am going to have to try to save every penny possible to put back into the savings in the hope he will not find out. Crazy I know but I just have to pray I can do this somehow.

Just joined 2 days ago and so far so good been gambling since I was 13 I'm nearly 40 it's timed stopped my other half doesn't no my debt is manageable I've just started councling mine is with on line roulette betting 25.00 to 30.00 on single spins yes they do come in sometimes I just need to stop

Aww sally,

You joined here, so you've made a start in right direction. Have you self excluded from all the sites? This is a must!! Even one 50p spin is enough to get you back hooked again. It will never be enough!! Cut all temptation.

Everytime you feel the urge, come here instead, start a diary and post your urges here, someone will be here to read and offer support. Read success stories, they totally inspire me. Know your not alone Sally, there's a lot of people like you and me struggling with this awful addiction, but we need to work hard and fight it!

As low as you feel now, by staying GF you can only go up. Deal with your addiction a day at a time, clear your head of it.

I managed to get out before I blew everything. I done that before, and with that amount Sally, I think you should probably tell your husband. I know your head is probably ready to explode but it's a lot of money, does he have access to see what you've spent?

Well done hagler

It's a difficult bumpy road we are on, but we have to ride out and come out stronger at the end!

Coming here has been great for me..really helps to know we are not alone. I hated the loneliness, used that as an excuse to gamble. Now I've realised it's me who causes it. My family have always been around me, I chose to ignore them and gamble! Its a vicious circle that's hard to break, but with the right support we can get out!

Good luck and stay strong and GF

Yep he does have access and is able to see but is so laid back he wouldnt look at the moment. He probably will find out at some point but I would rather try to put some back first to hopefully soften the blow. Thanks for all your support. I have self excluded etc... it is all over the place though nowadays. I cant even go onto facebook and chat to friends without an ad popping up. I realise that your partner cannot be the one to 'cure' you so I need to just get the willpower to finally crack it and maybe this forum will help.

Sally

Sounds very similar to my hubby. Totally get you not being able to tell him. I'm the same with mine. Would rather be able to show him the changes I have made alone and that I'm trying really hard. If your like me, it's the fear of seeing the disappointment of "not again" I can't and would never push you to tell him, that is entirely your decision. You'll know whens best for you and him.

Try not to make yourself sick with worry about the money. It's gone, and hating yourself won't bring it back. Try to stay positive: you've joined here, and self excluded. Look at that as your first good steps on a brighter path. Focus on staying GF! One day at a time.

Stay strong and keep posting.

G x

Hi have just joined myself. Seems everyone struggling. Felt really low this morning. Have been at this only last 6 months .. slot machines, did join up to one site where they sent a generic email asking for me to self exclude was supposed to get 400 replies, got 160 most of them asking me to sign up so made it worse had list of all these casinos I hadn't even heard of. I should have deleted all those emails in one go but I didn't so have to move forward. Last night spent every penny I have so I hope this is rock bottom and that the only way is up from here. I know I need to tell someone but not ready for that yet. I need a FREE software to block on phone just to make me feel like I'm doing something positive.