Hi I'm now gamble free for 40 days, I've been going to g.a meetings but to be honest I'm not enjoying them and often come out after a session on a right downer, are there any other forms of help or support? I'm still getting serious urges to gamble, I know I'm not anywhere near over this addiction. I've also noticed lately that I've become so hot headed and quick to fly off the handle, could this be where I'm clucking for a gamble? Stressed isn't the word at the moment, I've made the first few steps by packing it in and hoping to change myself for the better but so far I seem to be changing for the worse lol
Hi
Firstly dont be too hard on yourself about the ga meetings. Many years ago I found them hard to handle and didnt enjoy them. I also came out on a right downer.
Im not knocking the good work they do but it wasnt for me. I dont think they are for everybody but I have to be careful what I say there because they are a great help to many people
Have you considered a chat with the doctor. I did and am going through the IAPT process.
How are your blocks? Its natural for the body to feel a twinge but they should be countered with the feeling of why would you do that again.
It could be that you are in cold turkey and a short temper is linked to stress and depression. While I was gambling and getting hassle from the dwp I could flip at a car driver or something. It really was all due to my own issues and complete stress. Out of character really but I was tense and wound up with my life
I have calmed since stopping gambling and there are times when I feel serene. I can sit for a day listening to classical music on the radio and its very relaxing.
Do see the doctor though and get the counselling via that route. I will let everyone know how it goes as Ive got my first phone assessment next tuesday.
Oh very well done for 40 days. You really can do it and you should be feeling better as the days pass.
Best wishes to you
Hello liam84 and welcome to the forum
There are other forms of help and support available to you. GamCare have a helpline open 8am - midnight where you can speak with an advisor about getting counselling sessions. Counselling is funded so there is no cost and you are able to have twelve sessions with a counsellor. Services are across the Uk and an advisor will be able to help you find your nearest service.
Advisors can be contacted on 0808 80 20 133 and will be happy to help you. You can also contact helpline advisors through the netline http://www.gamcare.org.uk/support-and-counselling/frontline-services/netline#.Vv-IaPkrIdU
Keep posting we are here to support you
PhilM wrote:
What is IAPT?
Improving Access to Psychological Therapies.
Its booked through the doctor. The doctor hands you the presciption leaflet and I have booked it
Thanks joydivider, fell off the proverbial wagon last night, not using it as an excuse but been feeling so s**t lately I just had enough and gave in to the temptation, time to get some counselling and most probably a trip to the doctors in the week, thinking about it today I've been feeling rock bottom through the gambling for nearly three years now so I think it's time to admit defeat and take whatever help is there for me
liam84 wrote:
Thanks joydivider, fell off the proverbial wagon last night, not using it as an excuse but been feeling so s**t lately I just had enough and gave in to the temptation, time to get some counselling and most probably a trip to the doctors in the week, thinking about it today I've been feeling rock bottom through the gambling for nearly three years now so I think it's time to admit defeat and take whatever help is there for me
Honest Liam84. I promise you that its a fantastic step. You can even choose doctors as some are easier to talk to. They are there to help you feel in top form.
Theres no shame. You can handle life so a check up is a very good idea. In other countries they make far more use of therapists to talk things through
keep being honest and you know what gambling does to you. We are trying to save your life.
Best wishes
Thanks a lot let me know how your own counselling goes if you think it'll help joydivider.
I've certainly learnt at hat being honest is the best way to move forward, lying just prolongs the misery eh
Hi, Liam,
Reading this thread, chickens and eggs come to mind. Possibly GA wasn't for you because you wanted to gamble and GA's not compatible with that?
Like you said, honesty, especially to yourself, is very important. By all means try whatever works for you but don't kid yourself.
CW
No cynicalwife have to disagree with u there, I don't want to at all, I think it's more to do with not being too comfortable talk in to a group of strangers about my faults and weaknesses actually. If I wanted to carry on gambling I wouldn't have gone there to begin with
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