Hi everyone.
I'm new here. It's currently 3.03am and I've just signed up to Gamstop for 5 years.
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I've already had to lie and borrow money to pay my bills because I have spent hundreds this weekend. I only got paid Thursday and I am broke.
No one in my family knows I gamble. I hide it from my husband and my children. I've never won big so i don't understand why I keep pushing and pushing myself and loose it all.
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I currently got back up to what I lost tonight and you guessed it, i blew it and thought I could get more.
It's like im in a daze. I don't feel anything when I'm constantly hitting the button on the slot machines on my phone.
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I'm not gambling all day every day, but as soon as I have a bit of money in my bank, I think to myself, it won't hurt to try. I don't wake up and think about it but as soon as I play 1 game, I say to myself I will log out but I never do. I am now riddled with guilt and wondering how I'm going to make it work this next month. I even say to myself when pressing the button that me, myself, is making my life harder.
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I only started it a few years ago when a girl I worked with said she used to win a few hundred on the slot machines online so I thought I would give it a go. Biggest mistake. Why am I like this? Why don't i feel anything when I know I'm loosing and my money is going down yet I'm still pressing that button!!!!!Â
I am so angry at myself but proud that I've finally said ENOUGH.
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Thinking of you all going through the same.
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Jo x
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Well done for taking the first steps, you can also Download gamban for free off this site which prevents you from accessing gambling websites it blocks them, I also suggest putting it on more than 1 device too. To help put every measure in place for fighting this disease, you can find more info at:
https://www.gamstop.co.uk/support-practical
These are measures you can put in place yourself to help you when you get an urge.
You can also download the recoverme app which helps track your gambling free days, mood and offers CBT and much more.Â
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Hope this helps and good luck in your recovery.
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Nathan.
Your story is familiar to every gambler. Don't feel that you're lacking somehow. Firstly I'd reccomend you download the gamcare app to block gambling sites. I've been addicted many years. I'm in recovery again so I hope I can give you helpful advice based on experience. Maybe you can adjust your direct debits to come out on the day you're paid so your wages aren't sitting in your account for too long. A gambler will justify their behaviour in order to gamble - try to remember these excuses and reasoning. That hideous moment when you realise everything's gone ( we've all been there ) you must remember it. Gamblers tend to only think about the rush. The possibility of winning big when in fact usually it results in a loss. It may not be practical as you allude to not wanting your family to know but is there anyone you could trust with your money ? At least until you feel you can trust yourself. The good news is that eventually it can be beaten with will power. Be constantly on guard though. Do not give in to the excuses that will likely cross your mind. If you relapse don't give up. Try again. I wish you luck but again don't feel you're a failure. We've all been where you are. We've all made the same mistakes. Good luck. You can do this : )
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