Hi, I’ve just joined up to try and find more motivation to kick this nasty habit. I’m 26 years old and gambled since I was 18, I’ve lost thousands/10s of thousands, been bailed out and got on the right track but seem to fall back into this rut. Ive recently had another bad spell where I’ve lost a considerable amount and had to use some of my savings (my father has them for safe keeping). I was absolutely terrified to tell him it’s all happened again, I’ve messed up again. I know how worried him and my mother where the last time I messed up, but today the same day I was feeling sorry for myself worrying about spilling the beans I’m back at it! Why?!. I’ve had spells in the past where I’ve been real strong and had a barrier which once I’d gambled once had completely broken down. (Attitude of well I’ve done it now) I do want to quit. I’m not stupid I know what I’m doing to my life and myself! I’ve seen counselers before but with my work life it’s difficult to drive an hour to my nearest one regularly. I went onto phone counciling and continued to gamble right after and sometimes during my session. I have also told them that I really do love gambling, but far too often am on the losing side.
Anyway I feel a lot better after airing that. I want to beat this and go on to the point I should already be at
Thanks for reading Tb
Hello Tb and welcome to the forum.
Sounds like you've been struggling with recovery for a long time. It's not easy to stop - you've been gambling all your adult life. But you're taking a good step in using the forum.
You said that you/ve had spells where you've been real strong and had a barrier but still gambled. I'm wondering what the barrier was if you were able to gamble even though it was in place? If you contact us on the freephone HelpLine 0808 8020 133 or chat to us on the NetLine we might be able to look at strengthening your barriers so it's harder for you to break them.
We could also arrange for you to have more telephone treatment if you like. It's OK to be honest with them even if you are still gambling. They're not going to expect you to be perfectly gamble free right away. They'll help you whatever position you're in right now, and they won't judge.
We hope you keep posting on the forum and we're sure other forum members will be along soon to offer their support and advice.
Take care,
Forum Admin
Hi Tb,
Look up your nearest GA meeting, start attending regularly. You will get advice and from other Compulsive gamblers who will have a similar tale to yourself. There is no shame in admitting that you loved gambling as we become conditioned to it, but we have to face up to the fact we have a problem. I was like yourself, majority of the time my betting was not out of control so convinced myself over and over that I could control it but instead I had to hit rock bottom before I went for help.
You have messed up again, but you have a problem and are at least realising it. Its what your going to do about it now. You will have to come clean, you will have to get support and you will have to put barrriers in place and then begin your recovery.
I wish you well
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