Introduction

Hi Deano,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. Yes, my OH found out, after the usual pattern of denial, lying, arguing etc. I've deleted all online accounts, and put blocks on my bank account. Unfortunately there is no GA meeting close to where I am but I am making use of GamCare's support. I plan on starting up a diary on here, and share thoughts with those in a similar circumstance.

Shaun.

Hi Shaun,

Take credit mate from your opening two sentences. Owning up to your addiction is a great and very hard step to make. I came clean with my wife before I lost everything, because that's the way I was heading.

We've all told ourselves we can stop, or we've got gambling in control, sadly these are two things CGs cannot do whilst still gambling. I turned to GamCare and GA meetings and I'm proud to say I'm gamble free now for over 50 days, when for the last three years I bet everyday. Its such a shame there's no GA meeting near you. I do a 80 mile round trip to attend mine, twice a week whenever possible, that's how important I feel they are to my recovery. (Not tried councilling by the way).

The money is lost now, put that behind you. Tell the Mrs you will pay back the debt and you don't want to lose her and the kid. Let her take control of the finances, give her ALL your cards, you've already self excluded (so ell done again) from the bookies or on-line, depending whichever way you lost your money. At least she will know your making positive steps and trying your god d**n hardest. It's hard for a non CG to understand our mind-set, that's why you should use this forum (and GA meetings) to help you.

It's good to start a diary, keeps you focused to post everyday or so. I do a diary on here, but if you have any questions to ask probably best ask to ask them in another thread as I find questions aren't answered in the diary section as much as newbies or friends and family threads.

So good luck mate, enjoy the bumpy recovery ride, it's a hell of a lot better than all the lows gambling brings!

Any questions just ask.

Hi Shep,

Thanks for your comments. I think I'll try and make use of the chat rooms on here, rather than worry about there being no GA local to me, but yeah it is a shame. We have a plan to be back on our feet financially in 2 years time, whilst still actually living in the meantime, and then buying our own house. Thankfully, I've been given one last chance with my OH, which is why I'm now making the most of GamCare to ensure I keep to my promises.

Well done on going 50 days, like you say it's hard for the majority of people to see that as an achievement, but it sounds as though you're doing great - keep it up!

Shaun.

Hi Shaun

from what your intro says mate sounds exactly like my situation I've only just joined the forums myself and attended my first GA meeting last week for my 2nd tonight. Disappointed to say I haven't stopped gambling in trying to but have had 2 days where I gambled. I know I can beat this and I no I will. I'm sure you will be do better than myself and not give in so stay positive mate it's gunna be hard for us both but we can do it

Hello mate, good to find someone in a similar circumstance on here! How did your first GA meeting go? Glad to see it went well enough for you to attend your second meeting tonight! Don't be hard on yourself, going cold turkey on anything is never easy. Just try and concentrate on the reasons you want to stop in the first place. Good luck!

Yeah likewise! Yeah I actually come out the meeting feeling positive and I was surprised by how motivated I felt but obviously it's difficult to keep that up when I'm by myself bored or there's football on the tv or if I need to try earn bit extra I always think just £50 try win £150 never works like that though