Just Why

Posted by: @vge5rb460o

Hi,

I’m new to GamCare….. I’m struggling and in so much debt!

Why can’t I just stop gambling- I honestly don’t even enjoy it anymore.

Two weeks is my limit this far…. Then I fail again. I actually hate myself.

I am very much in the same situation as you.  I have not gambled for 7 days and am feeling a little more positive.

I didn't/don't enjoy gambling any more with, but have still done it before 7 days ago. I am also in lots of debt due to it. But I am tackling it.

Have you reached out to Gamcare chat to arrange a phone call? It was the best thing I did. I am just at the start of my gambling free journey, and there have been set backs but the insight they have given has been priceless.  I would strongly suggest you ask them for help if you haven't already.

I know what it is like to hate yourself because of gambling but try and be kind to yourself.  It's not a matter of being weak or a bad person, there are reasons you gamble despite not wanting to and you need to address them.

Number 1:

GET BLOCKS IN PLACE

Gamstop for online

Moses for local bookies

And Sense for uk casinos

It’s essential to do them all (you may say i only ever gamble online, or i only ever gamble in bookies) but down the line when you want to scratch that gambling itch or are impulsive like myself, Online, bookies and casinos become tempting.

Number 2:

When you get paid, pay all bills then transfer rest to a loved one for safe keeping.  Then it’s not in ur account waiting for the moment ur tempted by gambling its safe and sound and if you do really need it it’s there (either that or start to pay off highest interest debt each month (this will help massively), 

I transfer my money to my dad and have saved a lot over the years.

I top up my sainsburys card each month when i get paid for food shopping.

Number 3:

Limit the damage you can do with one visit to town:

The number of times in the past i’ve visited a cash machine for the bookies until i can’t get any more cash out!!!! Let’s save that!!!!

 U can limit cash withdrawals (just ask your bank)

You can not take your cards out (more difficult)

You can just take cash then all you can lose is that cash.

There is two step verification that your partner or parents can authorise your payments. (i’ve heard this is great)

Number 4:

With this new life away from gambling you will no doubt try to life a new healthy lifestyle (one step at a time) i found that drinking was clouding my judgement and making me gamble, smoking was inhibiting my breathing, drugs id also done in the past caused my mental well being to go down and these all led my weight, stress levels and ability to do well at work to diminish.  It took a breakdown in 2018 for me to realise all these habits needed to stop so i stopped one at a time to give me a better chance, smoking 2016, drinking 2018, gambling 2019….. 

MAKE 2023 UR YEAR FOR A FRESH LIFESTYLE< KEEP ME POSTED ADAM…….

hope this helps adam

I received 6 weeks counselling on the phone and this was a huge help. Get your bank to limit how much you spend. If they cannot then change banks. I am with Monzo and they are absolutely brilliant