Hello, i am Jane, i have a big problem with scratchcard & spend more than i can afford.
I have never been on a forum before, but need to get some prespective into why i do it, how can i manage the problem. For me it has the same pull as when i smoked. It feels more like a craving and is no fun especially when i feel worthless and useless afterwards. My family are quite supportive but i don't think they understand what seems to be a spell i am under. Sorry for the long winded introduction
Welcome to recovery Jane 🙂
Great 1st step recognising that you are overspending & coming here! Scratch cards are literally everywhere so 'usual rules' about breaking the gambling (Time-Money-Location, remove 1 & you cannot gamble) triangle to assist with abstaining are difficult to put into practise! A chat with the staff in the shops that you buy them may be worth a shot! Can you do your shopping online? Only take what you need in with you?
Ultimately, this is an addiction like any other & it will be little surprise to anyone here that you don't even enjoy it anymore. We cannot win because we cannot stop & any money we get back from gambling invariably goes straight back into it! Your family will struggle to understand something that 'we' the compulsive gamblers can't make sense of but GamCare counsellors (it is offered free if you call the helpline) & GA (meeting locations are on their website) members can help!
Gambling promises us great riches but the reality is takes more than our money! There is sadly no miracle cure & you will need to be strong in your determination to recover - ODAAT
Hi Jane,
Firstly, welcome to the group, I find everyone really supportive and helpful on this site, I hope you do too. I hope you find all the help you are looking for here.
How much is it that you are spending on scratch cards? How long have you felt like this? How often are you playing scratch cards and how many are you playing at one time? Are you in debt because of this and if so how much by?
I once had an issue with scratchcards, but that subsided when I went to online gambling. Helpful hint: don't do that!
What is it that pulls you to scratchcards and have you ever tried to stop?
Wish you the best for the journey ahead
Dave
Hi Jane, like you I also found myself addicted to scratch cards.
And I no how hard it can be when the things are plastered in every shop now. Like you said your family don't understand what it is that drives you to buy them. But to be honest not a lot of people do. But coming to this forum is a great first step on your journey to beating the addiction. So welcome aboard
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