Im new here, struggling at the moment need help and support

Welcome to the forum @ella and for sharing your experience.

We're sorry to hear you have been struggling so much. 

I'm sure you will receive support from other forum users, but if you need, give us a contact on the helpline 0808 8020 133, or contact us through our live chat.

We are here 24/7.

Take care and you're not alone,

Phoebe

Forum Admin

That feeling of not being able to stop is awful, I would open up more in your post as part your recovery on trying to stop. 

Try thinking and doing more productive things with your time. Gambling needs 3 things 1. Time 2. Money 3. Access 

By stopping one of these then you have a way away from gambling 

I hope you post again soon 

Dave101

I’ve been an addict for over 15 years. I struggle daily with extreme urges BUT I DON’T give in. With each passing day I’m hoping the urges will come less and then diminish completely. I’m now on day 19 and although I’ve got money and urges I NEVER give in. YOU CAN DO THE SAME!!!

It feels AMAZING when you wake up the next day knowing you won the mental battle. Much love to you x 

@timeforchange22 thank you so much for your reply, I hope I get to that stage. This is my first day without gambling and I'm feeling positive that I can get through it. Ive seemed to have got worse over the years but I'm determined to get through this. Much love to you too.

I too am struggling. Signed up here today. Over the last few weeks I have struggled to stop. I have time, could get hold of the money and access is easy. My biggest problem is, I have plenty of time and can't think of any other way I want to spend it. 

Hi Ella . So sorry you are struggling to stop . I stopped 14 days ago that was after 7 months of telling myself I didn't have a problem. I'd been to GA a few times but gradually went down the in denial road and had a couple of good wins so convinced myself it's not all bad because it's good when you win only this time that money was back in the casino within three days. It wasn't about the money anymore money was the thing I needed to get the fix winning gave me but then the losing feeling was taking over I lost control completely I was in a very dark place. I'm not religious but lost my brother in November and he was and I remember he told me once to always pray to the devine mercy and ask for help . So I had started praying a little in the weeks leading up to stopping but think I was praying for wins not for help to stop . On the 16th March I was so far down and terrified to tell my partner how much I'd lost and I just said "Devine mercy please help me I want to stop gambling

I woke up on the 17th of March walked into the sitting room and told my partner. He went crazy he was so angry at me I kept telling him I'm stopped I will do what ever I have to now to stay away from it .

He took me to my daughter's ,she is a nurse she called the Dr as I was in a very distressed state The Dr put me on Diazipam . When I settled a bit I called Gamstop with my daughter and partner beside me. I  got blocked of every gambling site in the UK .all bookies . Casinos bingo etc .  In truth 14 days on.its the best thing I've ever done. My poor brother was an alcoholic but sober for many years he always said "let go and let God"  and that's what I did I am so grateful to the Devine Mercy. I'm still not religious but I feel those words took the burden off my shoulders .  I still get urges but thanks to Gamstop .gamban etc I can't gamble which has freed me up to deal with the issues that started me gambling . When I was at GA many of the people there recommended the blocking software but I was terrified mostly because my choice to gamble was being taken away . I now realise it has to be to cure my problem . I feel free and lighter and every morning I simply say Thank you . My mind chatter has changed already there's no fear anymore there's acceptance that I am a problem gambler and I mustn't gamble again. You too will find your way of stopping it might not be today or tomorrow but you will and a better life will be waiting in the wings for you all the best in your road to recovery you are here so that's a step in the right direction .  Mary 

Posted by: @le1x76qu8y

I've reached my darkest days, the last few days I'm struggling with stopping, I tell myself to stop but still can't do it. This is my time to get myself better its been a long time. I need this help. 

The quicker you stop its better I have hit rock bottom atm reached the stage atm of stopping but the debt I incurred is a daily stress can't sleep eat or even work properly there is no one to turn to for financial help to clear at least some of my debts so I can have some peace and fight with the rest I have maxed out instutions etc with loans and they are being paid well ..but it's it's external lenders that I need to clear that is a daily stress to bare and sometimes I feel like I can't go on so please to anyone that hasn't reached this point plz stop get help and don't destroy ur life like me

I'm 4 days in and haven't gambled or thought of gambling, im proud of myself but I know there us a long way to go. Thank you all for opening up to me and telling your story it really has helped. 

Much love to you all 

I know from personal experience that gambling can really ruin your life

Very close to home, the urge and not being able to stop. Time and readily available access makes the compulsion that much worse.

Whether it's resisting day by day, hour by hour or even minute by minute, stay strong 

2 months in doing so well, because I feel like my health isn't right it's made me relapse. I cant believe I've done it feel terrible for doing it. I'm going to get back on track!