Hi guys,
So I got to the point that I really didn't know where to turn, embarrassment by speaking to the parents and mates at work probably wouldn't understand, so I found gamcare and hopefully I can relate to some stories in here.
i don't know how big or small my problem is but to me it feels like the end of the world and sometimes I've sat and wondered if the end of the world would be better.
its all about online slots and machines in the bookies, ever since I won a lot of money a few years ago in America I've been addicted, just not able to admit it to myself, I've lost my wife, pretty my little boy, all my money and 6 months worth of bonus that I earnt while in Afghanistan, and owe a few thousand on a credit card, but last night after losing another chunk of cash I actually downloaded some software that won't allow me to access sites on my laptop, I suppose it's a start. I hope all this makes sense and I'm not banging on too much, just didn't know what else to do as I'm at the bottom of the barrel
cheers for taking time to read this
Hi Iain welcome you are amongst friends and people who know exactly where you are coming from.
But joining and posting is the first step to recovering your life.
As well as the many posts from people in similar situations to yourself, there are also posts from people who have beaten the addiction which shows it can be done.
Welcome Iain , daft thought it might seem the big wins ruin us.
I won various big amounts the last being £4250.00 at Christmas , kept it a week and went chasing the next pipe dream , naturally blew it but by blowing the last lot id mentally reached rock bottom , the machine had beaten me and I accepted that.
Day 11 for me not gambling , keep reading and posting you will get endless support
Welcome Iain-I'm only new myself and fully understand how hard it must have been to register and post as does everyone here.In my short time here I've learned don't be worried about rambling on and being honest-it's the best way.Wishing you the best mate.
Good luck with it all!!!!
Thanks very much guys, every story I've read has been so relative, I've managed to self exclude on every account and blocked my laptop and smartphone, and actually admitted (emotionally) to my parents, it's a start on a very long road but I'll make goals, 1 week, a month, anything to focus, and off course my boy.
It really is good to have people to speak too that are absolutely in the same position, thank you
you've made a start by admitting it to yourself and others
putting some self exclusions and other measures can only help
Gambling has a very strong pull just be aware this problem doesn't always just go away
Welcome to your recovery Iain70901 🙂
Great start but you also still need to figure out how you will deal with temptation posed by the bookies! You need break the Time-Money-Location triangle as removing one makes it impossible to gamble! Can you turn your main finances over to anyone? Maybe get some passport phots & put them with a photo of your boy at the front of your wallet? This way, should you find yourself walking into one of the dungeons of despair, pulling these out instead of money should be a great incentive to march straight up to the counter & self exclude!
You will find loads of great advice on here as well as unwavering support, we are all rooting for you! Set yourself goals, but take things ODAAT!
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